“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is a 2019 film directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie is set in Los Angeles in 1969 against a rapidly changing film industry and a city immersed in the counterculture movement.
The film follows the lives of two central characters: Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and Cliff Booth, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Rick Dalton is a fading television actor struggling to transition from the waning popularity of his cowboy TV series to feature films. Cliff Booth is Rick’s loyal stunt double and best friend, whose laid-back demeanor contrasts with Rick’s insecurities about his career.
As Rick grapples with the fear of becoming a has-been in Hollywood, the narrative interweaves with real-life events, including the presence of Sharon Tate, played by Margot Robbie, a rising actress and neighbor of Rick’s. The film captures the essence of Hollywood during this era, showcasing the entertainment industry’s glitz, glamour, and darker underbelly.
Tarantino masterfully blends fictional characters with actual historical figures and events, creating an alternative reality within the framework of the Manson Family murders that shocked the city in 1969. The tension builds as the story approaches the infamous night of August 8, 1969, when members of the Manson Family carried out their brutal killings.
However, Tarantino takes a creative departure from history, offering a cathartic and unexpected climax. In a dramatic and wildly imaginative finale, Rick and Cliff find themselves inadvertently intersecting with the Manson Family on that fateful night, leading to a different, fictionalized outcome that diverges from the tragic real-life events.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is an homage to the golden age of cinema, showcasing Tarantino’s trademark blend of humor, intricate dialogue, and meticulous attention to detail. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning, Emile Hirsch, Austin Butler, and many others, delivering powerful performances that bring the vibrant characters and the nostalgic era to life.
The Other Cinema 