Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

When an iconic writer and director like Quentin Tarantino is making a film, the movie world tends to get excited. 

This is his 9th film out of a "supposed" 10 films that he'll make before he retires and in many ways I found it as a slight departure from his usual style. 

I mostly like what the director puts out and that's part of the reason of his allure is that he's so versatile that you never quite know what you may get. I wasn't a super big fan of The Hateful Eight, for example (comparatively to his other films), but I also respect that it was a film with a lot of really well-made components. But films like Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained, and Kill Bill Vol 2 I hold in very high regard. 

So the question was never really "Will I like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" it was more so, "How much will I like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." 

The answer, as it turns out, is quite a damn lot, though I imagine mileage will vary for most audience members. The film, sitting at a gargantuan 2 hours and 41 minutes, is a whole lot of nothing in terms of direction and purpose for a lot of its runtime. Tarantino's skill makes that not the biggest deal in the world, but if you don't get a lot of movie-going pleasure from watching sharp writing and DiCaprio and Pitt act really well (and be really funny) then this will be a slog for you. It's still an easy recommendation for me to make as a film because, well, at this point if you don't know if you do/don't like Tarantino films then there are plenty of outlets for you to research and, despite being Tarantino's most "normal" type of movie, Once Upon won't change your mind. 

Truly the only gripe I have with Once Upon a Time is just what I already stated. It has a very laissez faire way of letting the story unfold and even by the time it's all said and done, I'm not quite sure there was ever truly a core purpose, more so just dropping us into the world of 1969 LA. Again, under most other directors I'd be calling for their head (or just calling the film bad/boring), but with Tarantino at the helm it feels remarkably breezy. Much like another long-ass film this year, it whizzes by quickly that you're surprised once it's already done. But part of me wonders if this whole story could have been told a different way too, and I think that's where I take some issue. The inclusion of the Manson family into the fold feels almost forced when I look back at how little-to-do Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate has in this film and they almost feel like the sole catalyst Tarantino could think of for a shock-value ending of an otherwise violence-free film. I understand that the Manson family and their murders in the Hills are generally viewed as the "death" of "innocence" in Hollywood - and from that lens, there are beautiful moments of Tarantino's film and Margot's Tate that double down on that - but it also never really feels like the true metaphor or purpose the film is aiming for. 

Shockingly not an actual still from the film. Who knew?

Name a more iconic trio. I'll wait

But this is also a Tarantino directed and written film with Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio as co-stars, so how much can you really not be enjoying yourself?! When I say this was one of Tarantino's most "normal" films I mean that in the sense that some of his more exciting tendencies are toned down, not because he's no longer exciting, but he knows his film doesn't call for it this time. In fact, I think from an editing and general scene building standpoint, this is probably one of his best films. Per usual, he lets his scenes breathe and we're often treated to wonderful tracking shots. His writing knows almost no equal and it's tremendous here, building a loving "bromance" between DiCaprio's Dalton and Pitt's Booth. Again, it's semi toned down from Tarantino's curse-laden dialogue (toned down, not eliminated mind you) but this is still quality stuff. Some of the scenes he creates are classics right off the bat and this is probably his funniest movie to date - with consistent jokes that hit and some that provide hearty laughs. 

Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) is a struggling movie star who's realizing his time as the Golden Boy may be coming to an end. His best pal and stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt) is along for the ride. Pitt and DiCaprio were likely chosen yes, because of their sheer star power but also because they seem to gel with Tarantino and each other. You can tell they're having a blast making this movie and you can also see that they're bringing their A-game. Pitt as a laid back friend to Dalton who sometimes gets taken advantage of but has a cushy lifestyle is a joy to watch and is the film's true alpha male to Dalton's attempts to be it. DiCaprio should get another Oscar nomination from this (and potentially even a win depending on how the year shakes out) because his comedic chops here are so damn good. His Rick Dalton is just a laughably sad man who is trying to figure out the next steps of his career. DiCaprio exudes this pain effortlessly, though even more challenging, in a humorous way. Seeing Dalton set to tears after being told by an 8 year old (who's the secret MVP of the movie BTW) that a recent scene was the best acting she's ever seen is both something to cherish but also laugh boisterously to. 

I imagine this is what Leo does on his yachts full of models

The final star of the film is most definitely the setting. Not only is there an oldies soundtrack that blares over most of the proceedings, nearly every scene has some background TV or radio on as a constant reminder that we're in a different time period. It's subtle in a lot of ways, but between that and the cars, the outfits, and the old, comical brands of various products (rat flavored dog food?!) -- we're effectively transported back to a different time. 

I feel like there's plenty more I could write about Once Upon a Time, but it's a film where I'm not sure a review does it much justice, nor will it be what helps you make up your mind. If the fact that it's long and meandering turns you off and you're not the biggest Tarantino fan in the first place then perhaps it's not for you. For me, between Tarantino's writing/direction, Pitt and DiCaprio's performances, the totally fitting soundtrack, the humor, and the fun ending, it's a film I can easily say I had a blast with.

CONS

• Definitely a lackadaisical approach to story telling where a couple things just sort of collide and we're following a lot of scenes that don't really go anywhere
• Not sure the story - with the Tate/Manson drama - had to be designed in the way it was. Despite how much I enjoyed some of those scenes and the ending, it felt more like a means to an end to have a classic Tarantino "shock"

PROS

• The story still held my attention because of the characters it involved. If nothing else, it's just a ton of fun to be along for the ride
• Tarantino's direction and especially his writing are once again stars. This is his most "toned down" film in perhaps...ever...but it feels professionally done
• Wonderful scene building and editing
• Consistently hilarious
• DiCaprio and Pitt have great chemistry and their Dalton and Booth are memorable characters in their own right. DiCaprio continues to prove why he's one of the best
• An ending the only way that Tarantino knows how
• Fun and fitting soundtrack
• Visionary recreation of the time period. It's more than just costumes and cars here -- it's a character in its own right

Rath's Review Score | 9/10