Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, an insecure TV star, who is on edge after realizing his career might be over and Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, Rick’s trusty stuntman who is always there to take Rick’s on-screen (and off-screen) falls. The duo share a close brotherly bond in the movie, creating an iconic buddy cast.
Once brings us back to the year of 1969, where people dressed in groovy outfits and cowboy flicks were still hot. It has the usual Quentin Tarantino touch incorporating multiple storylines throughout the film. While the movie mainly focuses on Rick, we get to see what Cliff is up to while away from his best friend. Brad Pitt does a perfect job in playing a cool, suave stuntman. The third storyline features Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, an upcoming actress, and we get to see her experience of Hollywood through her eyes.
Quentin Tarantino features his usual star-studded cast: Michael Madsen, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Tim Roth and brings in new faces to his cast like Dakota Fanning, Al Pacino, and the late Luke Perry. Tarantino does a good job blending fictional characters with true historical events. The Charles Manson murders, the Spahn Movie Ranch, and past Hollywood movie stars portrayals are just a few of the ways he set the 60’s era. Tarantino adds a nostalgic touch by bringing late Hollywood icons Bruce Lee and Burt Reynolds back to life. Trust me, they are more than just cameos. The separate stories eventually sync up leading to the night where members of Charles Manson “family” raid Rick Dalton’s home. Quentin Tarantino takes from the infamous 1969 Tate murders that took place right next door but adds his own fictionalized spin.
Quentin Tarantino does a good job in showcasing his movie trivia and giving tribute to old Hollywood. I think he’s created a new classic to add under his already movie directing heavyweight belt. I will say this movie is probably one of the least violent movies he’s created but don’t think that means that there’s no action. I would rate this movie as a summer blockbuster and a must-see!
