DVD Review: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
by Quentin Tarantino (DVD Once)

I do not necessarily ‘follow’ Quentin Tarantino or his films, but I have seen some, and liked some, though they are not usually ‘easy’ as far as subject matter and normally get rather violent. As for this entry in his oeuvre — I get it, I particularly get it. Being born at the tail end of the Baby Boom generation, I grew up in the 60s and 70s, so I can relate not only to the ‘feel’ of that era, but to many of the events and personalities and images from then. In particular, I was crazy about the TV western Lancer, which is depicted in fairly great detail within the movie. I will also never forget the spectre of Charles Manson and the horribly evil acts he perpetrated, which is the dark core here. That’s why the pivotal scene, wherein Tarantino imagines the tables turned, was surprisingly and viscerally satisfying. His choice of movie title made perfect sense then, both realistically and hypothetically. Added to the Tarantino factor itself, you can’t really go wrong with actors like Brad Pitt and Leo DiCaprio, plus icons Al Pacino and Kurt Russell thrown in for good measure. This film may not be for everyone, especially due to the liberally-used ‘adult’ language and the intensity of gore when it happens, but I knew I wanted to see it and am satisfied. I think it will make a great component in a Film Studies class if it isn’t already being used in that way.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Inglourious Basterds, Jackie Brown (not in LCL collection), Django Unchained or From Dusk Till Dawn (also not in LCL collection).]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Once Upon a Time in Hollywood web site ]

 

Recommended by Becky W.C.
Walt Branch Libr

 

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