Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)

 

You know how there are films that want you to see them several times before you can appreciate them more? Well, this is one of those. Initial viewing? Okay, I guess. Third viewing? I freakin' love this one, even if it isn't classic Tarantino in the way one would expect. 

Glorious love letter to the latter days of classic Hollywood cinema as well. Oh, and the end of the '60s. 

Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) is a former tv-star who is desperate to make his way into films. So far, he has had a few stints but nothing major, as other actors consistently get chosen instead of him. He spends his time going to auditions and spending time with his stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt). Things seem to be picking up when an agent enlists him to play in Italian westerns. But all this is merely the backdrop for a view of Hollywood during 1969. 

Well, it's more than that, as Rick is supposedly the neighbour of Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate. Those in the know, also know what happened that year. 

No?

Okay then: exposition time.

This was the year that a pregnant Sharon Tate was brutally murdered by followers of Charles Manson. 

Yes, they're also in this film, as Cliff has a run-in with the group at the remote Spahn Ranch. See, Cliff and Rick come across several very famous people from the era and their daily lives intertwine, giving us some almost Viewmaster-like insights in the world as it was back then in Tinseltown. It's actually fascinating and the entire style of the film is drenched in nostalgia. 

And yet you feel the impending dread of what is about to happen. But rest assured: Tarantino doesn't do anything disturbing in that respect. In fact, the ending to this story doesn't play out the way you would expect if you know what really happened... 

I can see why people wouldn't like this one. It is a very slow burn and there isn't an awful lot that happens. Sure, the dialogue is still fun and the almost rose-tinted look at the past is warm and fuzzy, but it isn't for everyone. But seeing DiCaprio and Pitt nailing it yet again is great and even if you've never liked Pitt all that much (which I didn't - sorry), he plays against type here and his IDGAF-attitude works wonders. The supporting cast is pretty spot on as well and do we need to emphasize that every soundtrack Tarantino picks is groovy as all heck?

Didn't think so.

Could this be a love letter by a film fan for film fans? Absolutely. Will everyone enjoy it equally? Heck no. But if you are in the mood for something a little different, then you could do a lot worse.