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Not everyone admits they like Tarantino movies, but everyone respects the quirky, sometimes gratuitous nature of the film maker's style. He's inserted himself into the industry and stands in a class of his own. There is an expectation among audiences when one of Tarantino's films comes out, particularly as awards buzz grows. Critics lead the way, and audiences listen, and what I'm hearing is that it's a strong entry in his diverse (is it though?) catalog of films. "Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood" is certainly filled with likely awards nominees moving forward, but beyond that, it's a satisfying and entertaining two and a half hours.
His latest pairs Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, a fading star in beautiful 1969 Hollywood. Brad Pitt, in one of his best performances in years, is Cliff Booth, Rick's best friend, consigliere, and stunt double. The sets take you back in time in a light and fluffy love letter to the awkward post-classical age of American cinema with Coupe DeVilles driving around town, neon marquee signs along the strip, and cigarettes galore. Tarantino loves his cigarettes in film. The two buddies see the sun setting on their careers while hippies take over the Hollywood Hills, and a Roman Polanski and Charles Manson back story sets up the incredible (but predictable) ending that departs from the "Pulp Fiction" style and goes straight into "Inglorious Basterds" territory.
Leonardo has emerged as the best current actor in Hollywood. This film gives him the chance to show a little more range than in the past as he acts within the headspace of an actor on a film about an actor. It's really incredible to see his work demonstrated seemingly authentically, particularly in a pair of fantastic scenes with Timothy Olyphant, and the late Luke Perry. Equally commanding on the screen is Pitt, who is carefree and upbeat. It's a refreshing character, and harkens back to "Moneyball" as he brings the casual coolness of the actual Brad Pitt to the screen.
As with all Tarantino films, there is a laundry list of actors and cameos that seem to find their way into the final cut (a lengthy 2 hours and 40 minutes) but none truly develop into anything memorable. Margot Robbie's Sharon Tate is really the only other actor who appears in more than a few scenes, and she plays a bubbly, naive aspiring actress as well as can be expected, but it's sensationalism and wall covering. A great, tragic familiar story to weave into an otherwise fictional account that's driven almost entirely by the two leading men.
As always, Tarantino spins an entertaining tale. You can see glimpses of his own personality hidden within nearly every frame, and he's evolved as a film maker (not too much), and despite a pretty satisfying ending, it doesn't capture the lightning in a bottle from 1994, and isn't worthy of comparisons to "Pulp Fiction". Although set in Hollywood, this film carries the torch of the Western genre, which is where Quentin has been spending a lot of time lately ("Django Unchained," "The Hateful Eight"). His next project is rumored to be his last (it won't be) and is either the third entry in the "Kill Bill" saga, or an R-rated Star Trek story that he's been wanting to make for some time. My vote is both end up happening in the next decade, although I really did enjoy seeing Pitt and DiCaprio sharing the screen.
People tend to compare or rank Tarantino's films, and use that as a barometer of how good this film is, so obviously the top three films of his are "Pulp Fiction," "Reservoir Dogs," and "Inglorious Basterds," but this one definitely earns its way into the top five with the combination of acting, entertaining story, and satisfying ending. This summer seems to lack strong independent films, and although you could argue that a 95 million dollar budget doesn't really qualify, until he directs "Star Trek," he's still an indy rebel.
If you're a fan of good acting, "Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood" is a clinic. If you like revisionist historical fiction stories, you're in luck. And if you just like entertaining movies, you won't be disappointed. Caution: if you can't handle a slow burn that doesn't really follow any sensible plot lines, you might not like it. It's not for everyone, but I for one found it to be one of the best movies I've seen this year. I expect it will garner some awards recognition come winter, and deservedly so. 9/10.
