Monday, March 9, 2020

MOVIE WEEKEND: ONCE UPON A TIME . . . IN HOLLYWOOD

Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

It's been a while since we had a Movie Weekend, so start the popcorn. I'm happy to report I'm glad I spent time on Once Upon a Time . . . In Hollywood, although it's two hours and 41 minutes (2019, Rated R, I got the DVD from Netflix but I'm sure it's streaming in more than one place).



We never know what we'll get from Quentin Tarantino other than an interesting story, violence that's as carefully choreographed as a ballet, and cool characters. I'd say that the overarching theme of Once Upon a Time . . . In Hollywood is Old Hollywood merges with New Hollywood (New Hollywood is 1969). *Note: If you've seen this movie, please don't reveal the conclusion in your comment. It would ruin the movie for potential viewers.. However, if you want to tell us that you liked or disliked the movie, feel free.

Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), along with his stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), represent Old Hollywood. The TV show Dalton starred in is over. He looks for parts in other shows and even sings on Hullabaloo––anything to stay in the public's view and keep working.




No wonder we have doubts about Dalton's ability to have a successful career. But then a number of incidents bring Rick Dalton and his best buddy Booth into New Hollywood. I'll mention only one of these events because this is a movie that should be allowed to unfold before you without a lot of information about the plot.

One evening Dalton and Booth head out and we note they live on Cielo Drive in Los Angeles. They see the "neighbors" in their car: Roman Polanski and his beautiful, budding-actress wife Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). Dalton hopes to meet Polanski so he might get a part in a movie.

Margot Robbie
as
Sharon Tate

That's it. That's everything I have to tell you about the plot, other than the end of the movie gave me hope. I also want to mention that when Brad Pitt took off his shirt, I drooled. He's as gorgeous as ever at age 55.




Let me know if you like the movie. I'm always curious. I understand, though, that some people won't watch a Tarantino movie for any reason.


Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug



34 comments:

  1. Hi Janie, I love Tarantino's movies and haven't missed one yet. ☺ Congrats to Brad Pitt for getting his first Oscar as Supporting Actor. And, he looks fabulous! He's 10 years older than DiCaprio, but appears ten years younger. Another thing I love about Tarantino's movies is the soundtrack. He has great taste in music. ♫

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    1. Yes! The music always bears mentioning. He makes excellent choices. I can never forget "Stuck In the Middle With You" in Reservoir Dogs.

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  2. I loved it! Was long but, oddly, I felt disappointed when it ended. Brad does look younger than Leo and still quite good with his shirt off...well, shall we say exceptionally good. Great music. Really captured the time period. Yup--I loved it! :)

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    1. I'm glad you loved it, too. Were you disappointed by the ending or disappointed that it ended because it was so good?

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    2. Disappointed that it ended. I don't know if I was transported back in time or what--LOL! Was fun and so quirky! :)
      I have to ask Dagan and Leah how they liked it. I'm not sure they even know much about Charlie Manson or the time period.

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    3. I understand. The dog was fantastic. So much fun.

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  3. Brad Pitt is 55 ? Does not look his age. I like his acting.

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  4. I haven't seen this one yet, although I will eventually because it has good reviews. The thing that struck me about that Hullabaloo clip is how hard those poor backup go-go girls are working, compared to the "star's" indolent, half-assed performance. That's the movie/TV/music biz in a nutshell, isn't it.

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    1. You can also tell that he represents Old Hollywood because he has that slick, cigarette-smoking look like Sinatra and the rest of his rat pack.

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  5. It was an excellent movie. Well worth the ticket price. Especially when you add in the shirtless Brad.

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    1. I'd pay mucho dinero to see Brad in person without a shirt. Look at me, objectifying men.

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  6. It was a great movie. The last scenes made me sad, since you don't want me to tell you why, I won't. Reality was so different, is all I will say. But the rest was fabulous, I loved the look back at those times, Brad Pitt, of course, how cool is he....

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    1. If you want to email me to say why it made you sad, feel free. I'm still at dumpedfirstwife@gmail.com.

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  7. Whoa - that's Brad Pitt's 55 year old bod? Yummy.
    Thank you, hon.
    Love.

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    1. Don't ya just wanna give him a big old kiss?

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  8. Taratino usually does very original stories. Not sure how I feel about this one. Hopefully the real Roman Polanski doesn't make an appearance in this movie. And knowing Sharon Tate was murdered in real life by psychos makes me even more uncertain. Sorry.

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    1. I hope I didn't spoil anything by mentioning Sharon Tate's fate. But it was a very big news story way back. I just thought it was common knowledge. After all most people know about Manson and his cult, right?

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    2. I think it is common knowledge, Murees. You don't even live in the U.S. and you know about it. For the record, this movie is not about Sharon Tate being murdered. I wouldn't watch a movie that portrayed her death. "Roman Polanski" is barely in the movie and not really seen even then.

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  9. Hi Janie - I actually didn't like the movie ... but that's probably because I'm a Brit - I went to see it for Tarantino, and also for Pitt, DiCaprio and Robbie ... I enjoyed the watch - but that was about it. But I know it was appreciated as a very good film ... cheers Hilary

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    1. I'd love to know, Hilary, why you didn't like it because of being English.

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  10. I was surprised at how much I like this film because the side plot with Sharon Tate is something I was concerned about. Was Tarantino going to show too much about what happened to her and her guests? He really honoured the situation without undermining his main story about Leo’s character. Brad Pitt looks great and he did a great job in this role. My favourite scene is when he visits the ranch. It was so unsettling when he walks to the cabin onlymto turn around and see these hippies surrounding him like a pack of wolves.

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    1. It's high up on my favorite Tarantino list. I'm glad you liked the way it was shot. The tension is sure high when Pitt's character goes to the ranch. I love how calmly and easily his character deals with problems.

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  11. I haven't seen it yet, phooey on me. DD told me I MUST see this one, and she's very selective.

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    1. I think it's a must see if you like Tarantino. I understand that some people can't stand the violence.

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  12. Somehow I missed this one, but will be putting it on my infinite "to-see" list. Thanks!

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  13. It sounds like a great cast, but how raunchy is it? My daughter has a tendency to pop up and watch TV when she isn't supposed to, so we try to limit the raunchiness.

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    1. Raunch level is 10 out of 10. I suppose it could be worse: it could be pornography. It's not that bad, but Tarantino movies are never for children.

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  14. I'd probably enjoy this movie, but I don't know if I could handle watching it in one sitting. Tooooooo long!

    Have a super weekend!

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