Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood

Before watching this film, it is CRITICAL that you have somewhat of a knowledge about Charles Manson (and Sharron Tate). If I did not have my sister next to me pointing out the small references to this serial killer's story, I would not have understood at least 80% of the movie. Understanding the significant details adds a specific intensity in every other scene, like you know something that the characters don't, and always keeps your eyes glued to the screen.

Although I can see how a few scenes were fairly slow, and the middle was not particularly engaging, Tarantino definitely had a purpose for each scene, even if I don't have all the answers. Even the smallest of details, like a gun holster of beer or the way the characters drive down the highway, reveals hidden thoughts, feelings, and backstories to the audience. If you do not catch onto these specific details, I can understand how some points seem overindulgent of "the golden age" of Hollywood. But the beautifully nostalgic filming in these moments is what makes this film not only entertaining, but a piece of art.

It's the juxtaposition of Sharron and Dalton's storyline, it's the wonder and the dimensional characters, it's the brilliant manipulation of the audience's emotions, causing you to laugh, scream, and cry (sometimes simultaneously) that makes this film utterly perfect.

The ending leaves you wondering "What if..." over and over again, questioning what reality would look like if these fictional characters of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth actually existed. And I think that's when I realized how perfect the title was: it's a humorous, fairy-tale (although not completely violent-free) ending to the tragic fate of Hollywood in the 60s...

I don't typically leave IMDb reviews but this film deserves so much praise for its risky screenplay in such a dark true crime setting.

For 2 hrs, 41 minutes, I was taken 50 years back, experiencing Hollywood's film industry as a comedic drama filled with desire, tension and everyday life.

I liked Brad's character the most, but Leo easily matched with his own performance. A definite see-it-in-theatres watch. Bring your sense of humor though. There are lines of dialogue and laugh out loud bits that completely satisfy your curious mind. Expect everything you would from Tarantino, but also what you wouldn't.

I gave it a perfect 10 because I forgot I was watching a nearly 3 hour film, even though it still wasn't long enough for me. I would like to see a director's cut up to an hour longer as I think this is a unique case that extra footage would only help such an already powerful story.

I had the privilege to watch an early 70mm screening of this film at the cinerama dome with the director, Tarantino, in the audience. It was a surreal experience I'll never forget.

This is Tarantino's tribute to what he saw as a golden time in Hollywood. Tate's murder symbolized a loss of innocence that changed the industry forever.

However, the title acknowledges that this is all a fairy tale. The parallel plotlines of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth suggest that the industry and the culture were already changing, and that change is inevitable. Dalton, once a leading man in his own TV series, is struggling against changing tastes and the next generation of actors. Old-school Booth battles the hippies who have taken over his old stomping grounds, but there is the feeling that his kind are on the way out, and the hippy revolution is just around the corner.

I think Manson's presence is really open to interpretation. One reading is that he's simply a red herring. I think another way of reading his survival underscores the admission that this is a fairytale fantasy, and that in real life, very bad people exist and get away with horrible things.

Tarantino's first three films are almost entirely character-focused, dialogue-driven thrillers that rely entirely on the charisma and depth of their characters. Reservoir Dogs could not function without the tense interplay between Mr. White, Orange, Blonde, and Pink. Pulp Fiction is made great by the (at the time) completely unique relationships and dialogue between its characters, especially Jules / Vincent and Butch / Marcellus. Jackie Brown is probably Tarantino's most human and compassionate film, and it is certainly his least cartoonish and most grounded film; it is proof that Tarantino can make a great film even when he cuts back his quirky stylistic choices.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood felt like a call-back to Jackie Brown in many ways which was just so refreshing for me. I have missed the Tarantino who is so interested and invested in not just his characters but the relationships between the characters. I've missed the Tarantino who understands restraint is just as important as stylized action or quirky dialogue.

Another great Tarantino film, though I do agree there are times where it feels a little indulgent and meandering. The climax of the film is fantastic though, and it does make it feel like it was all worth it for the most part. There isn't really a defined narrative, which may put some people off but Tarantino's sublime dialogue and the great performances make all of the scenes at least entertaining. It's no Pulp Fiction, but it definitely is one of the most original films I've seen in a while.

I loved both the acting and the story. Brad Pitt shows a maturity playing "The old guy", and DiCaprio is spot on as the self absorbed, insecure fading star. The ending is classic Tarentino with a twist that caught me totally by surprise. I will watch this movie again. Loved it!