ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD
Quentin TARANTINO — UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — 159 minutes
IN A NUTSHELL
Firstly, how do you describe any Tarantino film in a nutshell? Here’s my attempt: Set in 1969 Los Angeles, an aging television actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) embark on an odyssey to make a name for themselves in the film industry. Their paths cross the likes of Bruce Lee (Mike Moh), Charles Manson, Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), Roman Polanski (Rafał Zawierucha), and Steve McQueen (Damian Lewis). (words by Bianca Garner)
CRITICAL RESPONSE
“Tarantino’s recreation of the Hollywood of 1969 is absolutely gorgeous to behold; this is his interpretation of what he must have witnessed back in the day when strolling down the streets of Hollywood Boulevard and soaking up all the Neon bright signs of his childhood. Also, unlike ‘Django’ ‘Basterds,’ and, really, any of Tararntino’s movies post-Jackie Brown, the film takes its time to build up atmosphere and character.” — Jordan Ruimy, World of Reel
“Opinions are going to divide about this film’s startling and spectacularly provocative ending, which Tarantino is concerned to keep secret and which I have no intention of revealing here. A piece of bloody mayhem which leads to a bizarre denouement which might well have you replaying the entire film in your head. It’s entirely outrageous, disorientating, irresponsible, and also brilliant.” — Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“You can say, as many will, that it’s only a movie. But for much of “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” Tarantino brilliantly uses the presence of the Manson girls to suggest something in the Hollywood cosmos that’s diabolical in its bad vibes. And the way the movie resolves all this feels, frankly, too easy. By the end, Tarantino has done something that’s quintessentially Tarantino, but that no longer feels even vaguely revolutionary. He has reduced the story he’s telling to pulp.” — Owen Gleiberman, Variety
PRIZE PROSPECTS
As Chaz Ebert said in Cannes, the new Quentin Tarantino movie is the hottest ticket at the festival. So much hype heading into the world premier of Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, it could not surely fail. And the buzz around the reception of the film has only escalated. Die-hard fans are over the moon, Tarantino admirers are tipping their hat, and then some might nit-pick – which the writer-director ought to be used to now. He has to know he can’t please everyone.
As far as prizes go, the honest truth is, Tarantino’s film could walk away with anything. He brings with him to the French Riviera a big, bold reputation and kinetic style of filmmaking. I don’t see this winning the Palme d’Or, even if it might be an easy prediction. More likely, a Screenplay or Director prize would make a lot of sense. There are one or two or three huge acting talents to consider too, but don’t let the audacious aura influence your decision-making, Jury. (words by Robin Write)
