Understanding the Rivalry Between Bruce Lee and Cliff Booth in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'

In the 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Brad Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth, is portrayed as a skilled, yet not invincible, stuntman. This portrayal contrasts sharply with the legendary martial artist, Bruce Lee. In reality, Bruce Lee was a sprawling figure in martial arts, renowned for his speed, agility, and mastery of various combat arts, particularly his Jeet Kune Do system.

The film fictionalizes and exaggerates the conflict between Cliff Booth and Bruce Lee for entertainment value. However, considering the real-life abilities and accomplishments of Bruce Lee, the idea that Cliff Booth could easily defeat or embarrass Bruce Lee is far from reality.

Reimagining the Gene Lebell Encounters

The scene in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is likely a re-imagining of the actual encounter between Bruce Lee and Gene Lebell, a professional grappler. The exact circumstances leading to their clash are variously described, but it is generally agreed that Gene Lebell was a skilled and trained fighter who grabbed Bruce Lee and walked around with him, highlighting Bruce Lee's relative lack of fight training.

Robin Shuffam, in his article “The Inescapable Monkey-Chu and the Imponderable Gene Lebell,” details how Gene Lebell humbled Bruce Lee by maneuvering him around due to Bruce not being a trained fighter. Gene Lebell’s expertise and Bruce Lee’s status as an actor and martial arts enthusiast but not a professional fighter became the focal point of the encounter.

Cliff Booth: A Fictional Character

While Cliff Booth is portrayed as a capable and strong character in the film, he remains a fictional creation. Any real-world comparison must consider that a trained fighter, regardless of their portrayal in media, would likely defeat Bruce Lee in a physical confrontation. Bruce Lee himself acknowledged the importance of training and physical prowess, even though he was a dedicated martial artist hobbyist.

Debunking the Legend: Reality vs. Fiction

In reality, Bruce Lee stands as a cultural icon, not just because of his extraordinary abilities but also because of his contribution to the evolution of martial arts and cinema. His legacy and skills, rather than an exaggeration or a mere hobby, would give him a significant advantage in any real altercation. His ability to adapt and innovate through Jeet Kune Do, a practical and efficient combat style, underscores his capabilities.

In conclusion, the portrayal of a potential fight between Bruce Lee and Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is more of a creative narrative device than a realistic depiction. Bruce Lee’s real-life skills, derived from extensive training and combat experience, would likely give him the upper hand in any real confrontation. This emphasizes the importance of separating fiction from reality in depictions of such legendary figures.

The real encounter with Gene Lebell is a prime example of the limitations of Bruce Lee as a non-trained fighter. It also highlights the importance of recognizing the distinction between a martial artist actor and a professional fighter.