Once Upon a Time in Hollywood-2019

Director Quentin Tarantino

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio

Top 250 Films #84

Scott’s Review #926

Reviewed August 1, 2019

Grade: A

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) is another brilliant offering by one of the most (deservedly) respected directors of the modern film era.

This film may be his most personal, as it includes many cinematic references and immerses itself in Hollywood life.

Toned down considerably from the violence standard in his other films, the first half lays the groundwork for a startlingly good second half, with every detail of utmost importance.

A bevy of riches awaits any viewer enthusiastically feasting their eyes on this film.

The time is 1969, as actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) struggles to reinvent himself and revitalize his career in Hollywood amid a changing cinematic landscape.

Famous for a popular western television series from the 1950s, Bounty Law, a pursued film career has not taken off, and he is reduced to guest appearances as the villain, then considered throwaway roles, in other episodic series.

His stunt double and best friend, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), accompanies him almost everywhere, serving as both sidekick and errand boy.

Meanwhile, famous director Roman Polanski and his wife, actress Sharon Tate (played by Argot Robbie), have moved into the house next door, which Dalton hopes will help him revitalize his career aspirations.

As Tate goes about her daily life of running errands and watching her movies in the theater, she is visited by Charles Manson one day, looking for the former resident of her house.

Historical viewers are familiar with the subsequent events that unfolded in real life, while Tarantino presents a fictional, tantalizing version of them.

The film’s length is two hours and thirty-nine minutes, quite robust but typical for a Tarantino production. Some may complain about the bloated running time, but the film never drags; instead, the director lays out all the pieces carefully like a fine chess game.

By the mid-point, all hell breaks loose with one of the most suspenseful and edge-of-your-seat scenes in film history. When Cliff drives a flirtatious young hippy hitchhiker, Pussycat (Margaret Qualley), to a range populated by Manson followers, he is in for the adventure of his life…..if he survives.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is an orgy of cinematic tidbits, featuring a myriad of clips from forgotten films of the late 1960s and popular songs from that era.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in greatness as Tarantino perfectly immerses the viewer into the time with fury and zest. Every set piece, costume, hairstyle, or car is flawlessly placed. Kraft macaroni and cheese, Velveeta cheese, and popular dog food from the period are featured.

Tarantino is a fan of cinema and makes cinema lovers fall in love with cinema all over again.

The cast is humongous, but each character is necessary and perfectly represented in both large and small roles.

The haunting troupe of Manson followers, specifically Tex Watson (Austin Butler), Squeaky Fromme (Dakota Fanning), and Susan Atkins (Mikey Madison), are all real-life figures. They are foreboding, dangerous, and crucial to the story.

Al Pacino shines in the small but pivotal role of Schwarz (not Schwartz), Dalton’s agent, while Steve McQueen’s look-alike, Damian Lewis, is memorable on-screen for merely seconds.

The list of cameo performances goes on and on and on, and the fun is wondering who may appear next.

Despite the incorporation of big-name stars in important minor roles, the best performances belong to DiCaprio and Pitt. DiCaprio’s best scene takes place alone in his trailer as the washed-up star botches his lines thanks to a hangover, causing a delay in filming.

He abuses himself into nailing the scene, receiving kudos all around, while becoming teary-eyed after a compliment from a young actress.

Pitt has never given a better performance than he does as Cliff, sharing his best scenes with his adorable dog Brandi and with DiCaprio.

Who can ever forget his chest-baring rooftop scene?

Quentin Tarantino scores again with a bombastic and flawless picture, his ninth release. Rumored to retire after his tenth film, one can hardly fathom the reality of that statement. Hismovis can be watched and watched again, continuously absorbing new and noteworthy details of rich texture.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) easily joins the ranks of great works, not just of the director’s catalog, but of all time.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-Quentin Tarantino, Best Actor-Leonardo DiCaprio, Best Supporting Actor-Brad Pitt (won), Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design (won), Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design