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Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton in a scene from Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. (Image: Sony)

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Love Letter to Making Movies

In the above special, Quentin Tarantino, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and the filmmakers highlight the craftsmanship behind Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, a tale of lasting friendship during a time of change.

Press the top left play button on the above feature image to watch the 28-minute special, which examines Tarantino’s acclaimed ninth film.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a cinematic love letter to 1960s Hollywood, packed with nostalgia, stellar performances, and Tarantino’s signature storytelling.

Released in 2019, the movie captivated audiences and critics alike, securing multiple Oscar nominations and a win for Pitt for playing Cliff Booth, a charismatic and tough-as-nails stuntman who serves as the best friend and longtime stunt double of DiCaprio’s character, Rick Dalton.

Brad Pitt (left) plays Cliff Booth, who serves as the best friend and longtime stunt double of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Rick Dalton, a fading Hollywood star. (Image: Sony)

Tarantino’s films are known for their sharp dialogue, rich characters, and tension-filled sequences, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is no exception.

The movie weaves together the stories of fading TV star Dalton and his stunt double Booth, all while reimagining the events leading up to the infamous Manson Family murders. Tarantino delivered an unpredictable yet deeply satisfying story by blending historical fiction with a revisionist twist.

Its revisionist approach to history is one of the film’s most striking elements. Instead of following the real-life events of the Manson murders, Tarantino flips the narrative, providing a cathartic and unexpectedly humorous ending.

This creative choice not only subverts expectations but also serves as a tribute to the lost potential of Sharon Tate and others affected by the tragedy.

DiCaprio and Pitt both shine in their roles, while Margot Robbie, as Tate, brings a luminous presence to the screen, portraying the actress with warmth and humanity rather than tragedy.

Attention to Detail

As elaborated in the above special, the film’s meticulous attention to detail in recreating Los Angeles in the late ‘60s is one of its most celebrated aspects. From neon-lit marquees to vintage cars and radio jingles, every frame immerses the audience in the era.

Tarantino’s love for old Hollywood is evident, capturing both its glamour and its decline as the industry transitioned into the 1970s.

Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate in a scene from Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. (Image: Sony)

The film also starred Kurt Russell, Al Pacino, Emile Hirsch, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant, Dakota Fanning, Bruce Dern, Damian Lewis, Mike Moh, Luke Perry (in his final film role), Maya Hawke, and Austin Butler.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood had a budget of around $90–96 million and earned $377.6 million at the global box office.

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