Title: Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
Release Date: 24/07/2019
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Plot
Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood is a comedic drama set in Los Angeles in 1969, during the last years of Hollywood’s golden age.
The film follows the intertwining lives of Rick Dalton, a fading television star, his long-time stunt double Cliff Booth, and their neighbor Sharon Tate, an up-and-coming actress. Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is a former star of a popular western television series, but his career is declining.
He struggles to find his place in the changing industry, as he watches his contemporaries like Steve McQueen rise to fame. Rick is accompanied by his loyal and trusted stunt double, Cliff Booth, portrayed by Brad Pitt.
Cliff is a laid-back and skilled stuntman who serves as Rick’s confidant and offers unwavering support. While Rick and Cliff navigate their careers in Hollywood, they also reside next to Sharon Tate, portrayed by Margot Robbie.
Sharon is an aspiring actress and the wife of Roman Polanski, a famous director. Her innocence and beauty represent the hopeful spirit of Hollywood’s new era.
Her presence, along with the sightings of other famous celebrities throughout the film, creates a nostalgic atmosphere. As the story progresses, Rick manages to secure a role as the villain in a spaghetti western film, which he sees as an opportunity to revitalize his career.
However, the deranged antics of his co-star, played by Damon Herriman, combined with his own insecurities, cause Rick to doubt his abilities. Meanwhile, Cliff inadvertently crosses paths with the Manson Family, a deranged cult led by Charles Manson, played by Damon Herriman.
The film explores themes of fame, identity, and the changing landscape of Hollywood. Director Quentin Tarantino masterfully captures the essence of the era, recreating iconic locations like the legendary Playboy Mansion and the famous Cielo Drive.
The attention to detail creates a visually stunning and immersive experience. Once Upon a Time…
in Hollywood beautifully captures the melancholic nostalgia of a bygone era while also subverting the audience’s expectations. However, the most defining aspect of the film is its alternate history trajectory.
Without revealing specific details, Tarantino subverts historical events, creating a thrilling twist that ties the characters’ narratives together in unexpected ways. Amidst the laughter and drama, the film tackles deeper themes such as the nature of art, the yearning for recognition, and the fear of becoming irrelevant.
Through Rick’s journey, the audience witnesses the struggle of an actor trying to find his place in a changing industry, an allegory for the transient nature of fame. Once Upon a Time…
in Hollywood is a love letter to a bygone era, blending comedy, drama, and thriller elements to deliver a captivating story. With its all-star cast, exquisite attention to detail, and Tarantino’s signature style, this film promises to be a must-see cinematic experience that invites viewers to step back in time and relish in the glamour and uncertainty of Hollywood’s golden age.
6 Best Scenes from Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
1. The introduction of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth, showcasing their dynamic and their inseparable friendship:
In this pivotal scene, the audience is introduced to Rick Dalton, a fading television star, and his loyal stunt double and best friend Cliff Booth.
As they drive around the Hollywood hills, the conversation between the two characters reveals a deep bond built on trust and years of working together. Rick’s anxiety about his declining career is evident, and Cliff’s unwavering support brings a sense of comfort and stability to Rick’s turbulent life.
The scene showcases their camaraderie and highlights the theme of friendship that runs throughout the film. This scene is significant as it establishes the central relationship between Rick and Cliff and sets the foundation for their journey throughout the movie.
Their friendship serves as a metaphor for the changing landscape of Hollywood, where loyalty and genuine connections are rare commodities. The scene also hints at the insecurities and vulnerabilities that the characters will grapple with as the story progresses.
2. Sharon Tate watching her own movie in a cinema, filled with joy and pride for her work:
This pivotal scene features Sharon Tate, a rising star in Hollywood, watching her latest film, “The Wrecking Crew,” in a crowded theater.
As she sits amongst the audience, a growing sense of pride and joy fills her face as she witnesses her performance on the big screen. The scene captures the infectious energy and optimism of a young actress on the cusp of stardom.
This scene is significant as it showcases Sharon’s genuine love for her craft and the fulfillment she finds in her work. It also serves as a stark contrast to Rick’s struggles with his career, highlighting the divide between those who embrace the changing landscape of Hollywood and those who resist it.
Additionally, the scene foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold later in the film, adding a layer of bittersweetness to Sharon’s happiness. 3.
Rick’s emotional breakdown after a disappointing performance, questioning his own talent and worth as an actor:
In this pivotal scene, Rick Dalton returns to his trailer after a subpar performance on the set of a television show. Overwhelmed with self-doubt and frustration, Rick breaks down, questioning his ability as an actor and lamenting his dwindling career.
The scene captures the vulnerability and raw emotions that lie beneath Rick’s superficial bravado. This scene is significant as it unveils the deeper layers of Rick’s character and his struggle to adapt to a changing Hollywood.
It also highlights the theme of self-worth and the fear of obsolescence that permeates the film. Through this breakdown, the audience gains insight into the internal battles Rick faces and the desperation that drives his actions in the subsequent events of the movie.
Overall, these scenes play a crucial role in the narrative structure of “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” They establish the main characters’ dynamics, illustrate their personal journeys, and offer glimpses into the larger themes of friendship, self-worth, and the changing landscape of the film industry.
By delving into their emotional depths, these pivotal moments propel the story forward and provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. 4.
Cliff’s encounter with the Manson family members at Spahn Ranch, increasing the tension and foreshadowing the tragic events to come:
In this tense scene, Cliff visits Spahn Ranch, the dilapidated movie set where he used to work as a stuntman. Unbeknownst to him, the ranch is now inhabited by a group of unsettling individuals known as the Manson family.
As Cliff explores the premises, he encounters various members of the cult, including Squeaky Fromme and the enigmatic leader, Charles Manson. The atmosphere grows increasingly eerie as Cliff navigates the tension-filled interactions, unaware of the danger lurking beneath the surface.
The scene serves as a crucial turning point in the film, foreshadowing the impending violence and setting the stage for the tragic events that will eventually unfold. This scene is significant as it not only adds suspense and foreboding to the narrative but also deepens the connection between the fictional story and the real-life Manson murders that occurred in 1969.
It highlights the juxtaposition between the glamorous facade of Hollywood and the dark underbelly that lurks just below the surface. The encounter with the Manson family members further reinforces the theme of the changing times and the impending loss of innocence.
5. The final showdown at Rick’s house, where he and Cliff confront the Manson family members, leading to a violent and satisfying conclusion:
In this climactic scene, the tensions built throughout the film reach a boiling point as the Manson family members, led by Tex Watson, invade Rick’s house.
Rick, fueled by his friendship with Cliff and a desire to protect those he cares about, unleashes his anger and frustration on the intruders. Cliff, a formidable and battle-hardened presence, lends his support, kicking off a violent confrontation.
The scene culminates in a cathartic and satisfying moment of comeuppance for the Manson family members. This scene is significant as it represents a turning point for Rick’s character, as he evolves from a fading actor plagued by insecurities to a resilient hero willing to fight for what he cherishes.
It also serves as a metaphorical battle between the old and new Hollywood, showcasing Rick’s refusal to be swept away by the changing times. The intense violence contrasts with the comedic tone of the rest of the film, amplifying the impact of the moment and providing a sense of closure for the audience.
6. The ending scene, with Rick and Sharon Tate meeting and potentially altering the course of their respective lives:
In the final scene of the movie, Rick encounters Sharon Tate, a rising star whose tragic fate has been haunting the narrative.
As Sharon knocks on Rick’s door, he invites her in for a drink, hinting at a different path for both characters. The scene is filled with a sense of hope and possibility, as Rick celebrates Sharon’s success and acknowledges the fading nature of his own career.
This chance meeting serves as a bittersweet moment of redemption and reflection, where two characters from different worlds briefly intertwine. This scene is significant as it offers an alternative reality, imagining a world where Sharon Tate’s life was not cut short by the Manson murders.
It encapsulates the theme of nostalgia and the yearning for a different outcome. By bringing these characters together, the scene challenges the boundaries between reality and fiction, inviting the audience to ponder the role of fate and the impact of individual choices.
It leaves the viewers with a sense of optimism and the notion that even in a world of tragedy, small moments of connection can change the trajectory of one’s life.
