Once Upon a Time in Hollywood–A Lackluster Fairy Tale
Quentin Tarantino is no stranger to movie buffs. And Once Upon a Time in Hollywood continues to feature the themes Tarantino cherishes. With a fully-loaded cast of A-list actors, especially Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, what we witness is more a “buddy film” than the advertised “tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s Golden Age”. But for the audience who does not know the story of Charles Manson and his grasp on the American collective psyche, the film needs more backstory to fill in plot holes. On the plus side, Tarantino loves cinematic history and Once Upon a Time’s references to the landscape and artifacts of 1969 Hollywood are thoughtfully and minutely reconstructed.
The world around the aging Rick Dalton (Leo DiCaprio), along with his loyal body double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) is both fictional and not. Both are co-dependent and struggling with declining careers. The first moon landing a mere three weeks before the Beverly Hills massacre of five people, including the nine-months pregnant Sharon Tate, actress and wife to Roman Polanski, a top movie director of the time. August 1969 was a time of both horror and jubilation.
The viewer who knows about Charles Manson and his notorious bloodbath prepares for the pending violence Tarantino is often criticized for: gratuitous depictions of violence against women. But no one escapes. Without giving too much away, Once Upon a Time builds upon a “what if” narrative. But for viewers who are not familiar with the Charles Manson saga, there is no “what if,” just a senseless action thriller without the irony and fictionalization of history.
And, to add to Once Upon a Time‘s reliance on shock value and stomach-churning bloodletting, especially of one woman’s skull, the only depictions of the two women who have any roles more than a few lines–Sharon Tate (a waste of talented Margot Robbie) and Squeaky, one of Manson’s cult followers (played by the always reliable Dakota Fanning)– are cardboard cutouts in the Tarantino style, posturing with long-legged shots that focus more on their extremities than on what they are saying.
I am not a fan of most of the films produced by Quentin Tarrantino, but there is still something to admire about the attention to detail in reconstructing the time and place, and in the chemistry between Leo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. And this is a generous reading of what to like about Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Note: At almost three hours in length, the “saggy middle” of this movie could have been eliminated with less footage of driving, walking, smoking cigarettes, as well as the pointless Bruce Lee scene.
Nancy Swing
Really enjoyed this film, although the ending was a bit strange (and a little too violent). As someone who worked in Hollywood during this era, I can testify that he got it all down — how it looked, how people acted and sounded, the values, etc. Way to go, Quentin. And way to go, Diana, for spreading the word about one of the best films of the summer.
Jerry Ludwig
Right on. Tarentino’s latest is full of painstakingly recreated details about tragic 1968 events, but the blend of REAL and REEL doesn’t gibe. To those who recall the Manson gang and what was then known as the Tate-LoBianco Murders this picture plays like a Shaggy Dog story turned into a Butch&Sundance Bromance for Brad&Leo. Why bother?
Lenore Gay
Hi again,
I think you nailed this review! Without seeing the film I guessed it wouldn’t be one to watch. The Manson so-called “family” and their murders were horrifying while happening and later. Not surprising, Manson had severe mental illness, at a time when less was known about diagnosis and treatment.
I could count on one finger the number of Tarantino’s movies I’ve seen.
Cheers,
Lenore
Jessica Russ
I loved it, but then I am an avid fan of Tarantino’s films. It was obvious from your review, without you actually having to state it, that you are not.
I do not agree that it was “saggy” in the middle. Tarantino’s films are known for being long and slow building. That’s one of the things I love the most. This film had an amazing, climatic end, that was definitely worth the wait.
I do enjoy reading your reviews, but it is evident that we have completely different views on what constitutes a great film.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood gets ***** from me, it was definitely Tarantino at his best, hilariously violent with excellent casting as usual.
Heidi
I’m not a big Tarantino fan for the reasons you stated, but for some odd reason, I love Pulp Fiction. I imagine this is a similar weird ride. Looking forward to seeing it. Good review!
Creston Davis
Thanks for this review.