Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Review

Acclaimed writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is an unrestrained and ambitious love letter to a specific period in cinema. The film achieves sensational world-building through incredibly detailed of-era sets that create wonderful backdrops for Tarantino’s thin yet enthralling narrative. Constantly shifting pace and tone, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a visual feast of the clever, violent and pretentious filmmaking that’s expected from Tarantino. Although the most self-indulgence parts of Quentin’s script create many of the film's most memorable moments, it can also be the catalyst behind the film's few flaws. Despite this, the result is a vibrant valentine to vintage Hollywood that gushes style and exudes the original approaches to filmmaking that has made Tarantino such a provocative and influential creator.

Set in Los Angeles in 1969, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood follows fictional TV star Rick Dalton and his long-time friend and stunt double Cliff Booth as they traverse through an ever-changing Hollywood that the two are becoming noticeably less relevant in. As the two friends attempt the find a footing in an industry that they hardly recognize, things begin to change when Rick finds out that he has a famous neighbor, actress Sharon Tate. Rick’s vicinity to the actress as well as his interactions within Los Angeles eventually gets himself and Cliff involved in one of the most infamous murders in American history.

Tarantino’s scripts often bring out fantastic performances by all involved, and his ninth film is no different. The various personalities are all elevated by the clever and hilarious dialogue, which adds more layers to an already incredibly lived-in world. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt’s exceptional on-screen chemistry is one of the film's best assets, with Pitt especially giving a sensational performance. Margot Robbie, despite having little to do other than be the symbol of what’s to come, is hypnotic and lovable as Sharon Tate. But it’s the film's massive collection of smaller parts and cameos that adds so much depth to the film. Kurt Russell, Mike Moh, Bruce Dern, Dakota Fanning, Luke Perry, Al Pacino, Austin Butler, and Julia Butters all give incredibly memorable performances with the time they have.

But perhaps the biggest strength of Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is the film's ability to consistently subvert expectations in increasingly entertaining ways. Tarantino’s ability to build tension is always remarkably executed, and his willingness to be playful and adventurous with it helps make the film constantly unpredictable. Whether the payoff is comedic, violent, or anti-climatic, there is always a rewarding aspect to it.

Although the slow build has always been a trademark in the stories that Tarantino writes, there are moments and creative decisions throughout that can sometimes make the film drag. The loose narrative can sometimes create scenes where the motives of characters are not exactly fleshed out or nailed down. The long takes of driving down the old streets of Los Angeles adds to the believability of the world and pays homage to the long traveling shots of western films from that era but eventually becomes one of a few moments in the film that feels like it could have been cut down.

The film has its flaws, but ultimately makes up for the missteps thanks to the fantastic cast performances and expert craftmanship in filmmaking. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is an entertaining ride that feels like it’s the most fun Tarantino has ever had making a movie. The constant callback’s to classic films and non-stop shifts in aspect ratio, lighting and atmosphere make the film a playground for Tarantino that’s exciting to watch. With Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, he has once again reinforced why he is among one of the most celebrated filmmakers in history.

Unique, energetic and full of life, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a fun and original film that further cements the filmmaker's legacy.

Produced By: Columbia Pictures
Runtime: 165 minutes
Rating: R