Reflections on Cliff Booth in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' and His Legacy

Cliff Booth, the tough and determined stuntman played by Brad Pitt, is a central character in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. His final showdown with the Manson Family, a pivotal moment in the film, highlights not only his exceptional skills but also the broader themes of friendship and survival.

The Climax and Cliff Booth's Defense

During the film's final act, Cliff Booth faces an intense and dramatic climax. He encounters the Manson Family, who are attempting to murder his friend, Rick Dalton (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), along with other characters at Rick's home. With his former stuntman background and a rough exterior, Cliff is adept at defending himself and Rick.

Cliff uses his combat skills to fend off the Manson Family members, resulting in a chaotic and violent confrontation. The film masterfully portrays this with clips of Cliff grappling with the assailants and, in a particularly vivid scene, using his dog Brandy to help fend off one of the attackers.

Historical Reimagining and Personal Triumph

The ending of the film serves as a fictional twist on a historical event. In the real-life tragedy, several characters tragically died that night, but in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Cliff and Rick survive against all odds. This ending highlights the film's themes of nostalgia and the evolving landscape of Hollywood in the late 1960s.

A Love Story Between Best Friends

Despite the film's tension and violence, Cliff and Rick Dalton is also portrayed as a story of friendship. Their bond is evident in scenes like the one outside Rick's front door, where Cliff retrieves his sunglasses, and the subsequent banter between them, which is flirty and clearly platonic. The relationship between these two characters is a central theme of the film, showcasing the significance of true friendship.

Tarantino's Portrayal of Cliff Booth

When discussing the character of Cliff Booth, Quentin Tarantino has touched particularly on how he fits into the larger narrative of the film. In a video interview, Tarantino mentions that Cliff's character was inspired by Hal Needham, a highly regarded Hollywood stuntman. Tarantino discusses how Cliff's stock in Hollywood soared after the home intrusion, ensuring him financial security until the end of his natural life at the age of 82.

Final Interpretations and Themes

The ending of the film has always elicited varied interpretations among viewers. Some believe that Rick Dalton dies in the attack and is called over to the gate by Jay Sebring, also killed that night. Sharon Tate, played by Margot Robbie, is believed to call over the gate intercom like a voice from heaven, inviting Rick to meet her friends on the other side. This poetic and romantic ending adds to the film's overarching themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time.

Conclusion: Cliff Booth's character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is not just a mere side character but a significant player in the film's narrative. From his skilled defense to the nuanced portrayal of his relationship with Rick Dalton, Cliff's story is one of resilience, camaraderie, and ultimately, survival.

Key Takeaways:

Cliff Booth - A former stuntman with a tough demeanor Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - A film masterfully portraying the changing landscape of Hollywood Brad Pitt - The actor who brought life to the character of Cliff Booth

For more insights and discussions on the film, consider listening to The Video Archives Podcast where you can hear Quentin Tarantino and other filmmakers discuss their work and inspirations.