“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” directed by Quentin Tarantino and released in 2019, takes audiences on a cinematic journey back to the heart of 1960s Hollywood. Known for his unique storytelling style and meticulous attention to detail, Tarantino weaves a tale that blends fact and fiction, bringing the audience into the lives of fading actor Rick Dalton, his stunt double Cliff Booth, and the glamorous world of Hollywood during a time of profound change. In this article, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, characters, historical context, and the unique Tarantino touch that sets it apart.
Plot Overview
Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the film follows the intertwined lives of Rick Dalton (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a once-popular Western TV star now struggling to find his place in Hollywood, and his loyal stunt double Cliff Booth (played by Brad Pitt). As Rick faces a career downturn, he becomes neighbors with Roman Polanski and his wife, Sharon Tate (played by Margot Robbie), the latter of whom is an up-and-coming actress on the brink of stardom.
The film is structured as a series of interconnected stories that explore the Hollywood landscape of the time. The narrative revolves around Rick and Cliff’s experiences, the changing film industry, and the impending presence of the Manson family, a cult led by Charles Manson. The film’s title suggests a fairytale quality, hinting at a blend of reality and fantasy, which Tarantino expertly executes throughout the story.
Characters
Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio):
Rick is a fading actor known for his role in the Western TV series “Bounty Law.” He is struggling to adapt to a changing Hollywood, where his star has dimmed. DiCaprio’s portrayal of Rick earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt):
Cliff is Rick’s stunt double and best friend. He exudes coolness, and his easygoing nature contrasts with Rick’s anxiety. Pitt’s performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie):
Sharon Tate is a real-life actress who lived next door to Rick and Cliff. Her presence serves as a reflection of the glamour and hope of Hollywood in the late 1960s.
Charles Manson (Damon Herriman):
Charles Manson is a historical figure who led the Manson family, a cult involved in a series of gruesome murders. While his role is relatively small, it looms ominously over the narrative.
Jay Sebring (Emile Hirsch) and Abigail Folger (Samantha Robinson):
These characters are based on real-life figures and are part of the Sharon Tate storyline. Jay Sebring was a hairstylist to the stars, and Abigail Folger was an heiress and philanthropist.
The film features a slew of other intriguing characters, including Hollywood producer Marvin Schwarzs (Al Pacino), actor Bruce Lee (Mike Moh), and Steve McQueen (Damian Lewis), among others.
Historical Context
“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” is deeply rooted in the historical context of 1960s Hollywood, a time of significant cultural shifts and upheaval. Some key elements of this context include:
The film captures the tail end of the Golden Age of Hollywood, a period marked by the dominance of the major film studios and the emergence of legendary actors and directors.
The 1960s was a decade of counterculture movements, social change, and political activism. These shifts are subtly woven into the film’s backdrop.
The Manson family, led by Charles Manson, was responsible for a series of brutal murders, including the infamous killing of Sharon Tate and her friends in August 1969. The film introduces this dark aspect of history into the narrative, albeit with Tarantino’s unique twist.
The film reflects the transition from the classic Hollywood studio system to the New Hollywood era, which embraced more unconventional and daring storytelling.
Tarantino’s Signature Style
“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” is quintessentially Tarantino. It showcases his unique filmmaking style, characterized by:
Dialogue-Driven Storytelling: Tarantino is known for his sharp, witty, and often lengthy dialogues. The film features conversations that not only advance the plot but also reveal character depth.
Homage to Classic Cinema: Tarantino pays homage to the cinema of the past, incorporating elements of classic Westerns and Hollywood history into the story.
Nonlinear Narrative: The film’s narrative structure is nonlinear, with multiple storylines that intersect and collide, creating a complex but ultimately satisfying storytelling experience.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Tarantino is meticulous in recreating the look and feel of 1960s Los Angeles, from the sets and costumes to the music and pop culture references.
Violence and Dark Humor: As with many of his films, “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” features moments of violence and dark humor, a signature Tarantino combination.
Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack features a curated selection of 1960s music, enhancing the film’s immersion in the era.
Historical Revisionism
One of the defining aspects of the film is its approach to historical revisionism. Tarantino takes liberties with historical events and characters, offering an alternate, cathartic resolution to the tragic Manson murders. This departure from actual history has been a point of discussion and debate among viewers and critics. Tarantino uses the power of cinema to rewrite history and provide a sense of closure that eluded the real-life victims.
The Manson Family and Violence
The film’s inclusion of the Manson family and the impending violence they represent creates a palpable sense of unease throughout the story. While Tarantino is known for graphic violence in his films, in “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” he masterfully builds tension and suspense, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and satisfying for those invested in the characters.
The Tate-LaBianca Murders
The Tate-LaBianca murders are a significant historical reference in the film, and Tarantino takes creative liberties with the events. While the real-life murders were gruesome and horrifying, the film offers an alternate, fictional outcome that departs from history’s tragic reality.