Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is like an old-school jukebox hit — it plays out as an ode to cinema’s golden days, wrapped in the flair of a comedy-drama. This 2019 movie set in 1969 captures the essence of a by-gone era, reminding us of Hollywood's shifting sands. Not only is this a movie review, but it's a love letter from Tarantino to the world of cinema itself.
Diving into the plot, we meet Leonardo DiCaprio as the washed-up TV actor Rick Dalton, desperately clinging to his fading stardom, and his trusty sidekick — no, not Robin — but Brad Pitt's cool as a cucumber stunt double, Cliff Booth. Their bromance hits all the right notes as they navigate the challenging, often quirky world of a transitioning Hollywood. Every scene feels like it is dipped in nostalgia, with cameos from some of the infamous true crime events of the 60s, which adds a tad of spice — but no spoilers here!
The themes of change, identity, and the relentless drumbeat of time are omnipresent here. Tarantino masterfully blends fiction and hyper-real elements, creating a heady cocktail for the viewer. It's a bit like sipping a Martini — strong and full of flavor, with the last sip leaving you a tad dizzy.
But oh, let’s gush a little more about the acting and cinematography. DiCaprio flexes his acting chops, balancing Dalton's vulnerability and ego with finesse. Pitt, embodying Cliff Booth, feels like that cool big brother everyone wishes they had. And let’s not forget Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate — she brings sunshine with her every move, though one wishes she had more screen time to work her magic. The cinematography feels like a vibrant tapestry woven together, episodic yet epically Tarantino. His direction? Top-notch. He strings you along with screenplay that is as sharp as a tack — although, for some, the pacing might feel a tad sluggish.
For those who consider themselves connoisseurs of the best comedy-drama movies, you might compare this with classics like Boogie Nights or even a more contemporary tribute, La La Land. Tarantino offers a unique blend, neither too heavy-handed like some of his works nor too light like a sitcom fluff — a perfect middle ground. If you’re in for a cinema analysis indulgence, this one slots right in.
Reflections post-watch made me muse — Tarantino's passion project was daring, but one can’t help wonder about the extended narrative and scenes that stretch like a 10-feet-long spaghetti noodle. It’s not a flaw per se, but certainly not everyone’s spaghetti Bolognese.
Still, this cinematic masterpiece compels us to toss nostalgia and imagination into the blender. If you love the golden era glitz, a touch of wit, and a hefty dose of Tarantino's signature flair, this film is a must-watch! Trust me, once you return from this trip of pure movie magic, you won’t stop humming those groovy 60s tunes!