Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” a 2019 comedy-drama, stands as a testament to his enduring love for cinema.
With a large ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film transports viewers to the golden era of Hollywood in 1969, intertwining fictional characters with real historical events, notably the looming threat of the Tate murders.
The film, a co-production between the United States, United Kingdom, and China, was announced in July 2017 and marks Tarantino’s first film not associated with Bob and Harvey Weinstein, following the sexual abuse allegations against Harvey.
Production and development
The journey of “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” began with a fierce bidding war for distribution rights, ultimately won by Sony Pictures, which met Tarantino’s demand for final cut privilege.
Principal photography spanned from June to November 2018, capturing various iconic Los Angeles locations. The film also features Luke Perry’s final performance, with the movie dedicated to his memory.
Tarantino, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, developed the screenplay over several years. Initially conceptualized as a novel, the story evolved into a screenplay, with Tarantino drawing inspiration from his experiences and the relationship between actor Kurt Russell and his stunt double, John Casino.
This relationship sparked the creation of the central characters: fading actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his loyal stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt).
The film’s production aimed to authentically recreate 1969 Los Angeles without relying heavily on CGI. Production designer Barbara Ling and costume designer Arianne Phillips played crucial roles in this endeavor, meticulously restoring iconic locations like the Musso & Frank Grill and the Playboy Mansion to their former glory. Despite this, over 75 digital visual effects shots were employed to cover modern elements, ensuring a seamless period aesthetic.
Tarantino’s dedication to authenticity extended to practical effects, notably permitting DiCaprio to use a flamethrower in scenes, enhancing the realism of the film. Cinematographer Robert Richardson, shooting in Kodak 35mm with Panavision cameras, balanced retro and contemporary visuals, while editor Fred Raskin and sound editor Wylie Stateman contributed to the film’s polished finish.
Plot
“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” is a narrative mosaic that captures a day in the life of its central characters, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing film industry. The story juxtaposes the fading careers of Dalton and Booth with the vibrant and hopeful presence of actress Sharon Tate (Robbie).
Tarantino crafts a poignant, nostalgic ode to Hollywood, blending fictional and historical narratives to create a fairy tale-like story.
The film’s ending, developed first by Tarantino, is a critical plot point, with the rest of the narrative building up to it. This reverse engineering approach marked a departure from Tarantino’s usual storytelling style, underscoring his confidence in his characters to drive the plot.
Reception and legacy
Premiering at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” garnered critical acclaim, grossing $374 million worldwide. Critics praised Tarantino’s direction, the screenplay, and the performances, particularly those of DiCaprio and Pitt. The film’s meticulous attention to period detail, soundtrack, and production values were also highlighted.
The National Board of Review and the American Film Institute named it one of the top-ten films of 2019. It received ten nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, winning two, and inspired a novelization by Tarantino, marking his debut as an author.
Critical responses varied, with some lauding it as Tarantino’s mature, reflective work, and others critiquing its violence and perceived nostalgia for a bygone era. Nonetheless, it stands as a significant piece in Tarantino’s oeuvre, a love letter to the Hollywood of yesteryears, imbued with his signature style and storytelling flair.
“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” is more than just a film; it is a vivid tapestry of memories, dreams, and cinematic homage. Through the lens of Tarantino’s unique vision, it captures the essence of a transformative period in Hollywood history, blending the lines between reality and fiction in a masterful narrative. As a tribute to the magic of cinema, it reaffirms Tarantino’s place as one of the most influential directors of his generation.
