Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Critical Analysis

The 2019 Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood presents a reimagining of the 1960s through the lens of Hollywood's golden age. Released on Amazon Prime in late 2019, the movie delves into themes of aging, violence, and adaptation, all while addressing the real-life Tate murder.

Theme of Aging and Adaptation

The film itself is a poignant commentary on age and how society adapts to change. Set in the 1960s, the movie highlights the transition from episodic television Westerns to feature films as Tarantino seamlessly weaves historical events and creative storytelling. With the inclusion of real-life figures like Charles Manson and the Manson Family, the film not only narrates a cautionary tale but also offers insights into the cultural shifts of the era.

The Fourth Wall and Characterization

One of the unique aspects of the film is its use of the fourth wall. Both Cliff Booth (played by Brad Pitt) and Rick Dalton (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) are portrayed as fictional characters and actors. This meta-narrative is further emphasized by the film itself, where we are repeatedly reminded of the characters' awareness of their place in a Hollywood narrative. This blurring of reality and fiction enriches the storytelling, making the audience question the nature of the plot and its characters.

Violence and Adaptation to the 70s

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is as much about violence and death as it is about adaptation. Cliff and Rick, in their roles and personal lives, face numerous sequences of violence that serve to illustrate the shifting landscape of the film industry. The use of and his cult, which involves various violent acts, mirrors the transition from the morality of the 1960s to the more complex moral dilemmas of the 1970s.

Cliff's character, in particular, undergoes a transformation that is visually represented by a limp. This change reflects the idea of being "expendable" in the film industry, much like the character of Easy Breezy in the Western that Rick reads. Rick, meanwhile, shows his adaptability by agreeing to be taken into the Tate house, indicating his readiness to embrace the changes coming in the 1970s, even to potential roles in films like those by Roman Polanski.

Music and Class Structure

The film's use of music, particularly the soundtrack, serves to enhance the narrative and provide a glimpse into the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s. The iconic song "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas The Pallisades and its cover by Vanilla Fudge become a symbol of the impending shift from the innocence of the 1960s to the more chaotic environment of the 1970s. Furthermore, the mention of the 1970s hit 'Bounty Law' introduces a sense of decades-long trends in the music and film industry, adding to the film's layered narrative.

The music also plays a role in illustrating the class structure within the film. When Rick and Cliff refer to their contemporaries as "hippies," it underscores a divide between different social and cultural groups within Hollywood. This divide is further emphasized by the extreme violence depicted in the film, which reflects the type of content that would be produced in the 1970s, moving away from the more familial and moral content of the 1960s.

Conclusion

Overall, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a film that masterfully balances its narrative with historical and cultural elements. By blending factual occurrences with fictional storytelling, Tarantino creates a powerful and visceral depiction of a tumultuous period in Hollywood. The film's critical reception underscores its impact, and its re-release on Amazon Prime added an additional layer of engagement for viewers.

For those who enjoyed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, or for those who wish to delve deeper into the themes presented in the film, additional resources and critical analyses online can provide further insights. Subsequent viewings of the film, with special attention to the details of its plot and visual storytelling, will certainly enhance the understanding and appreciation of Tarantino's work.