Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Name	Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Director	Quentin Tarantino
Producer	Quentin Tarantino, David Heyman
Writer	Quentin Tarantino
Starring	Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie
Music	Mary Ramos
Cinematography	Robert Richardson
Editing	Fred Raskin
Studio	Columbia Pictures, Bona Film Group
Released	July 26, 2019
Runtime	161 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$90 million
Gross	$377.6 million

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a 2019 comedy-drama film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, a faded Hollywood actor, and Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, his stunt double and close friend. The film is set in Los Angeles in 1969, during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and features a large ensemble cast, including Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, Al Pacino as Marvin Schwarz, and Kurt Russell as Randy Miller. The film pays homage to the New Hollywood era, referencing films such as The Great Escape and The Dirty Dozen, and featuring Charles Manson and his followers as key characters.

Plot

The film's plot is set in 1969, during the height of the Counterculture of the 1960s, and follows the story of Rick Dalton, a former star of the Western (genre) television series Bounty Law, who is struggling to find work in the changing Hollywood landscape. Cliff Booth, his stunt double and close friend, is also facing difficulties, having been blacklisted in the industry due to his involvement in the Hollywood Blacklist. The film's narrative is intertwined with the real-life events surrounding the Tate murders, which occurred on August 9, 1969, at the Benedict Canyon home of Sharon Tate and her husband, Roman Polanski. The film also features a fictionalized version of Charles Manson and his followers, including Susan Atkins and Tex Watson, who are depicted as key characters in the story. Other notable figures, such as Steve McQueen, Mama Cass, and Bruce Dern, make appearances in the film, which also references iconic Hollywood landmarks, including the Tate House and the Spahn Ranch.

Cast

The film features a large ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, and Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate. Other notable cast members include Al Pacino as Marvin Schwarz, Kurt Russell as Randy Miller, and Timothy Olyphant as James Stacy. The film also features appearances by Dakota Fanning as Squeaky Fromme, Bruce Dern as George Spahn, and Luke Perry as Wayne Maunder. The cast also includes Damian Lewis as Steve McQueen, Austin Butler as Charles "Tex" Watson, and Mikey Madison as Susan "Sadie" Atkins. The film's cast is rounded out by Emile Hirsch as Jay Sebring, Scoot McNairy as Business Bob Gilbert, and Clifton Collins Jr. as Ernesto "The Mexican" Vaquero.

Production

The film was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, who is known for his work on films such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. The film was produced by Quentin Tarantino and David Heyman, and features a score by Mary Ramos. The film's cinematography was handled by Robert Richardson, who has worked on films such as Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight. The film's editing was handled by Fred Raskin, who has worked on films such as Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including the Spahn Ranch and the Tate House. The film's production design was handled by Barbara Ling, who has worked on films such as The Doors and The Aviator.

Themes and analysis

The film explores a number of themes, including the decline of the Old Hollywood era and the rise of the New Hollywood movement. The film also touches on the Counterculture of the 1960s and the social and cultural changes that were taking place in America during this time. The film's use of historical figures and events, such as the Tate murders and the Manson Family, adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. The film has been praised for its attention to period detail, with many critics noting the accuracy of the film's depiction of 1960s Hollywood. The film has also been praised for its performances, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt receiving particular praise for their portrayals of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth. The film's exploration of themes such as nostalgia and identity has also been noted, with many critics drawing comparisons to other Quentin Tarantino films, such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs.

Release

The film was released on July 26, 2019, in the United States and Canada, and was distributed by Columbia Pictures and Bona Film Group. The film was released in a number of formats, including IMAX and Dolby Cinema. The film's release was accompanied by a significant marketing campaign, which included trailers, television spots, and promotional partnerships with companies such as Sony and Amazon. The film's release was also marked by a number of premieres and screenings, including a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising the film's performances, direction, and attention to period detail. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 84%, based on 442 reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The film also holds a Metacritic score of 83, based on 54 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim". The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $377 million at the box office worldwide. The film's success can be attributed to its unique blend of action, comedy, and drama, as well as its nostalgic value, with many critics noting the film's homage to the New Hollywood era and the Counterculture of the 1960s.

Accolades

The film received a number of awards and nominations, including ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt and Best Production Design for Barbara Ling and Nancy Haigh. The film also received a number of other awards and nominations, including two Golden Globe Awards and two BAFTA Awards. The film's success at the Academy Awards and other awards ceremonies is a testament to its quality and craftsmanship, and it is widely regarded as one of the best films of 2019. The film's awards and nominations include recognition from the National Board of Review, the American Film Institute, and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, among others.