Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a 2019 film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film is a comedy-drama produced by Columbia Pictures, Bona Film Group, Heyday Films, and Visiona Romantica. It stars a talented cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie.

Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the story revolves around Rick Dalton, a fading actor played by DiCaprio, and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, portrayed by Pitt. As they navigate the changing film industry, the film ominously hints at the real-life Tate murders that occur during that time.

After being announced in July 2017, the film marked a new direction for Tarantino, who chose not to work with his long-time collaborators due to a shift in his professional landscape following the fallout from the Harvey Weinstein scandal. Once the film was acquired by Sony Pictures, production began in mid-2018 and wrapped in November of the same year.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2019, followed by a U.S. theatrical release on 26 July 2019 and the UK release on 14 August 2019. The film was well-received, grossing over $392 million worldwide and garnering critical acclaim, despite debates over its historical accuracy.

The film received ten nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, winning two awards: Best Supporting Actor for Pitt and Best Production Design.

The central plot explores Rick Dalton's struggles as his career wanes. Once a star in a 1950s TV Western, he now finds himself relegated to guest roles as villains on various shows. His friend and steady companion, Cliff Booth, helps him navigate this turbulent period. Booth, a World War II veteran, faces his own challenges as rumors about his past haunt him.

As Rick seeks to revitalize his career, he becomes enamored with his new neighbors, actress Sharon Tate and her husband, director Roman Polanski, who are living next door. The film intertwines their lives with the unsettling presence of Charles Manson and his followers, culminating in a dramatic showdown that diverges from historical events.

Tarantino's unique storytelling showcases his trademark style, filled with nostalgia and references to the entertainment industry of the 1960s. The film has been described as a love letter to Hollywood while simultaneously serving as a farewell to an era that has all but vanished. It plays with the idea of rewriting history, allowing characters to confront their fate in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood stands out as a significant work in Tarantino's filmography, showcasing his ability to blend fiction with real historical events while exploring deeper themes of friendship, fame, and the passage of time.