The 9th film from Quentin Tarantino is an unusual film to talk about when it comes to a narrative. Mostly because it doesn't really have a huge set-up or journey, which is similar to his previous film, "Pulp Fiction". The audience is mostly following the characters of Rick Dalton, Cliff Booth, and Sharon Tate. Dalton is an aging actor who thinks that he has become a has-been, Cliff stumbles onto the Manson family, and Tate just lives her life. The film does plenty of misdirection throughout, as it is making you think twice of what the narrative and scenarios will follow. I won't be spoiling them, since it should be watched to experience, but most of the film is set up like a slice of life story, where you just see these characters go throughout their day.
Dalton is played perfectly by Leonardo DiCaprio, who gives out both comedy and his character faults in a very likeable way. You want Rick Dalton to rise up in stardom, just like he did in his hit show that the film opens up with. Booth, played by Brad Pitt, is most likely going to be everyone's favourite character in the film, as he gets the most laugh-out and badass moments in the film. As for Margot Robbie playing the real-life actress Sharon Tate, she does a good job although some might see no point for her inclusion in the film, since like I mentioned, Tarantino subverts your expectations of the film. There are so many side characters and cameos that I can't mention at all though, but they are nice to have in the film.
Once again, Tarantino delivers a perfect job directing in this film. The cinematography and editing is great no matter the context of the scene or the actions of the characters. The 1969 L.A setting is captured brilliantly by the music tracks, production design, and how the scenes just let you breath in the surroundings. The film has a lot of meandering scenes like when Booth prepares dinner for him and his dog, Dalton and Booth watching an episode of "FBI" with their commentary, or Tate just watching "The Wrecking Crew" with the audience laughing or cheering when she's onscreen. There are a lot of small moments that's used up in the 2-hour, 40-minute runtime, but the few big moments in the film's narrative like Dalton acting on a set or the Manson Family involvement help get others engaged with the film. I personally love the slow moments in this film, mostly thanks to the 1969 aesthetic and how you enjoy the characters as a whole.
Before this film, my favourite Tarantino film was "Django Unchained". However, this film might take its place as my favourite. Sure, Django is the more engaging film as it does have a stronger narrative and has extremely satisfying scenes, but "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" is a satisfying film in general, thanks to its slow pace, wonderful directing and misdirection, entertaining characters, and a blast of nostalgia of 60's culture. Before my verdict, I should address the ending without spoiling it of course. Some might not be a fan of the ending, most likely due to the extreme violence against woman in the climax. I will say that the violence is justified in the context of the scenario and what characters are involved, but I will say that it took me by surprise, despite me and the entire audience laughing out of enjoyment.
Verdict: 10/10. Seeing how that is now my favourite Tarantino film, I heavily recommend for you all to check it out and witness this masterpiece in theatres!
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