Movie Watch Diary #1: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – A Smooth Tarantino Ride with Hidden Depths

Hey, movie lovers! Welcome to the first entry of my Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies. I finally crossed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), directed by Quentin Tarantino, off my watchlist, and wow, what a ride! This film has been lingering in my queue for a while, and now that I’ve seen it, I’m ready to unpack its smooth vibes, nostalgic charm, and those classic Tarantino twists. Let’s dive into my thoughts, why I gave it a 7.5/10, and why it’s a movie I’d happily rewatch.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Smooth, Romantic Hollywood Vibe

Right from the start, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood feels different from Tarantino’s usual high-octane, blood-soaked stories. There’s a smoothness to it, almost a romantic glow, that wraps you in a warm, nostalgic hug. The film follows Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a fading TV star, and his loyal stuntman Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), as they navigate the shifting Hollywood landscape of 1969. Everything feels perfect—the costumes, the sets, the music. The attention to detail in recreating late ‘60s Hollywood is impeccable, from the neon-lit marquees to the retro outfits. It’s like stepping into a time machine, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Unlike Tarantino’s typical in-your-face style, the film flows gently for most of its runtime. It’s almost serene, painting a picture of an idealized Hollywood. But don’t be fooled—when the ending hits, you’ll know Tarantino is in the driver’s seat. The final act explodes with his signature chaos, and I found myself grinning, thinking, “Yup, there’s Quentin!”

A Story That Leaves You Wondering

While I was swept up in the visuals and vibe, I kept asking myself: What is Tarantino trying to say here? On the surface, the movie follows Rick’s struggles—his insecurities, his fading career, and his fight to stay relevant in an industry that’s moving on. We also get a glimpse into Cliff’s life, a laid-back stuntman who’s the unsung hero behind Rick’s success. The film seems to celebrate these behind-the-scenes figures, the ones who make the magic happen but rarely get the spotlight. It’s a solid story about Hollywood’s inner workings, but it felt like something was missing.

The narrative doesn’t always connect the dots clearly, and I left the theater wondering if I’d missed the point. It wasn’t until I did some research that the deeper layers clicked. Without that extra context, the story can feel a bit disjointed, like a beautiful puzzle with a few pieces out of place.

The Manson Connection: An Alternate History

Spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen the film or read up on its historical ties! Once Upon a Time in Hollywood isn’t just a love letter to Tinseltown—it’s Tarantino’s reimagining of one of Hollywood’s darkest moments: the Manson Family murders. The film weaves in the real-life tragedy of Sharon Tate (played by Margot Robbie), a rising actress brutally murdered by Charles Manson’s cult in 1969. In reality, Tate’s death was a heartbreaking loss that shook Hollywood. But Tarantino flips the script, crafting an alternate history where things play out very differently.

In the movie, Tate is a vibrant, almost ethereal presence, and her scenes are filled with warmth and promise. Instead of recreating the grim reality, Tarantino uses Rick and Cliff to rewrite history, delivering a cathartic, violent twist that feels like a middle finger to the real-life tragedy. It’s a bold move, but here’s the catch: if you’re not familiar with the Manson murders, this layer might fly over your head. The film doesn’t spoon-feed the context, and I think that’s where Tarantino might’ve stumbled. Not every viewer will know the history, and without it, the climax feels random rather than triumphant. A little more clarity could’ve made the story hit even harder.

The Bruce Lee Controversy: Why That Scene?

One scene that’s bound to spark conversation is the depiction of Bruce Lee (Mike Moh). In a flashback, Cliff spars with Lee on a film set, and let’s just say it’s not the most flattering portrayal of the martial arts legend. Lee comes off as cocky, and the scene has rubbed some fans the wrong way. So why did Tarantino include it? From what I’ve gathered, the scene isn’t meant to disrespect Lee but to show Cliff’s laid-back confidence and skill. It’s also a nod to the era’s Hollywood, where stuntmen like Cliff often had to prove themselves against bigger names. Tarantino, a known Lee fan, likely wanted to stir the pot and spark debate, which—love it or hate it—he absolutely did. Still, it’s a bold choice that not everyone will vibe with.

Final Thoughts: A Rewatchable Gem

Overall, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a love letter to a bygone era, wrapped in Tarantino’s unique blend of nostalgia and chaos. The costumes, music, and performances (DiCaprio and Pitt are phenomenal) make it a visual and emotional treat. But it’s not perfect—the story’s lack of clarity means it needs some post-viewing homework to fully appreciate. Still, I loved it for its vibe, its heart, and its audacity. My rating? A solid 7.5/10. It’s a movie I’d happily pop on again, maybe with a notebook to catch all the details I missed.

What did you think of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood? Did the Manson twist catch you off guard, or did you love the Hollywood glow as much as I did? Drop your thoughts below, and stay tuned for the next Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies!

See also: Conclave (2024): A Movie Review Exploring Its Core Messages and Hidden Themes