Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

The ninth film from writer-director Quentin Tarantino, this film tells the story of a particularly dark time in Hollywood’s past, and does so with an incredible cast of characters, and Tarantino’s trademark use of several subplots (think back to Pulp Fiction) all intertwining by the film’s conclusion.

Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a film and television actor, whose career has mostly consisted of playing the bad guy in westerns. Together with his long-time stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), he has recently begun to be typecast.

After being challenged with this idea by producer Marvin Schwarz (Al Pacino), Rick begins to believe his career is all but over. Cliff, however, remains optimistic.

These two characters have become very close over the years, and Cliff would do literally anything for Rick.

Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).

Rick lives next door to a young Roman Polanski and his new wife Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), who have just learned they are expecting their first child. Their close friend Jay Sebring (Emile Hirschhorn) is a great support to Sharon, as Roman is off making another film after the huge success of his latest film, Rosemary’s Baby.

Which reminds me: this film is set in the summer of 1969. There are numerous references and signposts throughout the just-under-three-hours running time to help remind you of this, the strongest of which is the production design and costume design, courtesy of Barbara Ling and Arianne Phillips, respectively.

While all the rest of this is going on, away in the mountains, on an otherwise deserted ranch, a group of young people (mainly females) live under the supervision of a man named Charlie. If you’re thinking of Charlie Manson, you’re right on the money.

Sharon Tate-Polanski (Margot Robbie).

Tarantino’s script is virtually flawless. Viewers of any of his previous eight films will be aware his strong point is most certainly his naturalistic dialogue, and detailed character development, as well as his ability to weave numerous subplots together in unexpected ways. There are plenty of comedic moments, but also (as you might expect) plenty of violence.

The cinematography, by Robert Richardson, is equally brilliant. In collaboration with Tarantino, who is a genius when it comes to use of camera angles to heighten tension and drama, Richardson has captured the action beautifully.

The cast performances are also great throughout, the clear standouts certainly being DiCaprio and Pitt. There is another performer I would like to mention here: young Julia Butters, whose character plays opposite Dalton in an incredible sequence, matches DiCaprio beautifully in her abilities as a performer.

Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), being sweet-talked by Pussycat (Margaret Qualley) at
the Manson Family compound.

If I had more time, I could go to much greater lengths talking about the rest of the cast. The cast for this film is enormous, and every performer brings their all to their roles. Tarantino seems to have a real knack for getting the most from his actors, and this film is certainly no exception. If I had an infinite amount of time and space, I would also talk about the performances of Bruce Dern, Dakota Fanning, Timothy Olyphant, Margaret Qualley, Austin Butler and Luke Perry (in his final film performance). All of these actors (and more) are brilliant in their roles, but if I went into all of them, we would be here forever.

This is without a doubt the best film from Quentin Tarantino (my previous favourite being Pulp Fiction). The film is quite long, as mentioned earlier, but it doesn't feel long, as the pacing and action keeps you interested from the very first frame until long after the credits have ended. This is certainly a film to keep your eyes on come award season; check it out if you haven't already, you won't be disappointed.

9 out of 10.