Each film by the legendary director Quentin Tarantino is a separate event in the world of cinema, which admirers of his talent, prestigious festivals and the press are eagerly awaiting. His new picture "Once upon a time … in Hollywood" was no exception. This comedy with elements of drama brought together not only an impressive cast, but thanks to the skillful work of the scriptwriters, it brought to the screen a real story intertwined with fiction. Judging by the reviews of critics who attended the premiere, the result was ambiguous.
Plot and actors
As the name implies, the film is set in Hollywood back in 1969. The plot revolves around the aging movie star Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as his loyal friend and stunt double Cliff Booth, played by Brad Pitt. These two characters are complete opposites, but, nevertheless, they make up the main tandem of the picture. Rick lives in a posh house, and his friend lives in a cramped trailer. The hero of DiCaprio is too emotional and prone to depression, and Pitt's character has a military past behind him and is not prone to unnecessary sentimentality. In addition, rumors circulate around Cliff Booth that he was involved in the murder of his wife.
Viewers have followed them relentlessly from the moment Rick Dalton, famed for television series, tries to get into the big movie. The main character of "Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood", although he is a fictional character, has a real prototype, from which Tarantino borrowed his friendship with the stuntman and certain moments of his biography. Rick Dalton's character is based on the personality of actor Burt Reynolds. He had a loyal stunt friend, Hal Needham.
Margot Robbie (right) and the real Sharon Tate (left)
Tarantino follows a couple of friends, both to the set and to the world of real Hollywood. Here you can find real and fictional characters. But the most attention, even before the premiere, was attracted by the pair of director Roman Polanski and actress Sharon Tate, shown in the film. They were played by actors Rafal Zaveruha and Margot Robbie. Movie buffs familiar with Hollywood history will well remember the resonant murder of Tate by members of the Charles Manson sect. This story shocked the whole of America with its inhumanity, since the young actress was in a late pregnancy and died along with her unborn child.
Mike Mo as Bruce Lee
Fortunately, Tarantino decided not to touch on the topic of the murder of the unfortunate woman, although Charles Manson, played by Damon Herriman, will appear in the film. Other real people in his painting include Bruce Lee (Mike Moe), Steve McQueen (Damien Lewis), Jay Sebring (Emile Hirsch), Cass Elliot (Rachel Redliffe) and many other stars of that era. "Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood" was the last work of actor Luke Perry, who passed away in March 2019.
History of creation, premiere, reviews
Tarantino's ninth film is also interesting because during its production the director refused to cooperate with producer Harvey Weinstein for many years. The reason was the sex scandal associated with the name of the Hollywood magnate. The rights to this picture were purchased by Sony Pictures.
The world premiere of the tape took place on May 21, 2019 at the Cannes Film Festival. After watching, the audience gave the director a six-minute standing ovation. In general, "Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood" received a positive assessment from critics, although it did not open any new facets in Tarantino's work. According to experts, the film is replete with references to old Hollywood movies and Italian westerns. But only true movie fans can see and recognize them, to which the creator of "Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood" also counts himself. For everyone else, this story will appear in the form of sketches about a hysterical actor, his endless doubts and throwing in front of the faithful imperturbable understudy.
Shot from the official trailer
Tarantino does not change himself in the fact that he has chosen an excellent soundtrack for the film, which is predicted to be an undoubted success among music lovers. In addition, he uses an interesting directorial move - he changes the format and color of the frame when there are scenes from the main film and sketches from the pictures in which the main character is shot, Rick Dalton.
The final of the film received mixed reviews. In the wake of active discussion, Tarantino even made an official statement and asked not to disclose the details of the plot in advance, keeping the intrigue for future viewers. This situation, of course, fueled interest in the new creation of an eccentric genius. The world premiere of Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is scheduled for July 26, and the film will begin showing in Russian cinemas from August 8.
