For almost 30 years, director Quentin Tarantino has created a resume that is not only impressive but has thrown him into the discussion as one of the finest directors of this generation. Despite not hitting the mark on all his films, any time Tarantino releases a movie, there is always an aura of excitement that revolves around it. That is no different from his ninth film, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. A movie that after only two viewings has entered the conversation for me as my top tier of Tarantino films.
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood follows actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stuntman (Brad Pitt) as they attempt to adjust to the changing times of Hollywood in the 1960s. What I’ve read over the past few days is that the film is pointless and nothing occurs throughout the film’s length until the final act, I disagree with these opinions. For me, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is the complete opposite. The film carries a ton of heart about two men’s realization that the twilight of their careers is imminent and Tarantino shows differences between them but emphasizes that despite their differences, both men have the same fear – the end of the line.
The audience’s interest in both Rick and Cliff stem from Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt’s performances in this film. While it is already known by the masses that these two are in the top tier of their professions, their chemistry is undeniable, and both men do a sensational job of creating the perception for cinephiles that these two men are not just colleagues in the entertainment industry, but the closest confidants and friends in each other’s respective lives.
After winning the Academy Award for his role in The Revenant, DiCaprio is back with another performance that should not only guarantee him an Academy Award nomination but should be considered the favorite as awards season commences. DiCaprio steals every scene he is in and is both hilarious and sympathetic and can blend emotions beautifully whenever it’s needed. The scene that portrays these emotions very effectively is a scene with Julia Butter, an 8-year old co-star on the set of Lancer who makes time to speak with Rick about acting as more than a profession but a craft. That scene captures the essence of Leo’s performance as it is both hilarious and heartbreaking.
Brad Pitt should also be ready to call his tailor for a new tux at next year’s Academy Awards. I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a Pitt performance as much as I enjoyed his role in this film. There are moments within the film that are nothing short of brilliant. Cliff’s back and forth with Bruce Lee early on in this film provide some of the biggest laughs of the film.
While Margot Robbie’s portrayal as Sharon Tate is minimal and plays more as a MacGuffin to Tarantino’s movement of the plot, Robbie’s charisma is on full display. Speaking to my colleague this past weekend, we both agree that one of the most heartfelt moments in the film involves Robbie, a movie theater, and a screening. A moment in the movie that not only capture’s Sharon Tate’s desire to be a successful actress but the joy she attains by watching her film with an audience and their acceptance of her because of her performance.
When it comes down to the involvement of the Manson family in the film, Tarantino does a great job of evoking the creepiness and power Charles Manson had over his family with the minimal participation of Charles himself. As seen in this WatchMojo video (Spoiler Alert!), the use of the Manson family is fairly accurate, and credit should be given to Tarantino for creating the sense of fear that this family had over Hollywood in 1969.
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood also continues the trend of immaculately shot Tarantino films. Robert Richardson, who previously worked with Tarantino in Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, and The Hateful Eight can make 1969 Hollywood, not just a character but a focal point of this film. Every single still frame of Richardson’s shots throughout this film are tremendous and is what I consider the best cinematography of 2019 thus far.
As a fan of Tarantino for many years, I have always admired the fact that he is a director that has no issue with taking risks, and it is evident in his filmography. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is no different as the risks he takes in the film’s climax are nothing short of bat-shit crazy. What makes the film’s climax extremely useful is the fact that despite the risks taken, the film’s final shot is one of the most heartbreaking shots I’ll see all year.
In a world where franchises and reboots rule Hollywood, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is a breath of fresh air as it cements itself as one of the best films of 2019 and one, that is sure to be in the discussion as one for the acclaimed director’s greatest achievements.
