Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A washed-up cowboy actor and his stunt double hang out, then some hippies get flambéed.

🍿 Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Fading Star and Loyal Stuntman

In 1969 Hollywood, Rick Dalton, a television actor struggling to stay relevant, and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, navigate a changing industry. Dalton, once the star of the popular western series ‘Bounty Law,’ faces a career downturn while Booth, a war veteran with a mysterious past, drives him around, taking care of his needs. Their bond is the emotional core of the movie.

Life on the Fringe of Hollywood

The film interweaves Dalton and Booth’s lives with that of Sharon Tate, a rising actress enjoying the peak of her career. As Dalton grapples with his fading stardom, seeking a comeback in Spaghetti Westerns, Cliff finds himself in a disturbing encounter with the Manson family at the Spahn Ranch. These events are set against a backdrop of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and its underbelly.

Collision with Reality

The narrative progresses towards the infamous date of August 8, 1969. Dalton and Booth’s night out together after being forced to part ways is juxtaposed with the Manson family preparing their attack. The tension builds as these plotlines converge, with hints of the impending tragedy that befell Sharon Tate and her friends. This collision is the dramatic apex of the movie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio): A fading television star struggling to remain relevant in the changing landscape of Hollywood.
• Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt): Rick’s loyal stunt double and friend, a skilled but enigmatic man with a mysterious past.
• Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie): A beautiful and rising actress representing the new wave of Hollywood talent.
• Jay Sebring (Emile Hirsch): A celebrity hairstylist and friend of Sharon Tate, who is still fond of her.
• Pussycat (Margaret Qualley): A young hitchhiker and member of the Manson family who crosses paths with Cliff Booth.
• Tex Watson (Austin Butler): A key member of the Manson family and one of the followers that enter Rick’s house

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rick Dalton: “I’m a has-been!” – Rick’s recurring, self-deprecating lament highlighting his fading career.
• Cliff Booth: “I’m just here to do my job.” – Cliff’s stoic and nonchalant attitude when facing potentially dangerous situations.
• Trudi Fraser: “That was the best acting I’ve ever seen in my whole life.” – Said by the young actress to Rick after his powerful, emotional scene on the set of Lancer.
• Susan Atkins: “We’re gonna kill you all!” – Spoken during the home invasion before Cliff and Rick fight back
• Rick Dalton: “Anybody got a flamethrower?” – Said by Rick as he retrieves a flamethrower to deal with the intruders at his house.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $90,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $142,502,728
• Worldwide Gross: $392,105,159

💥 Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood Reviews

Personal Review

I loved how this movie felt like a time machine, taking me right back to the late 60s. The details were insane! I felt like I was just hanging out with Rick and Cliff, going through their daily lives, and that was surprisingly enjoyable. The ending was completely unexpected; I literally gasped out loud! It felt like a huge ‘what if’ moment. I would definitely watch it again just to soak in the atmosphere and pick up on more details.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Quentin Tarantino’s films.”
  • “Viewers interested in 1960s Hollywood.”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven narratives.”
  • “Movie lovers who enjoy a blend of drama, comedy, and historical fiction.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate alternative history and fantasy.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence, including some graphic scenes.”
  • “Frequent strong language.”
  • “Adult themes and drug use.”
  • “Some intense and disturbing moments.”
  • “May be triggering for viewers sensitive to violence or the Manson murders.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Tarantino delivers a visually stunning, nostalgic trip, anchored by DiCaprio and Pitt’s captivating performances. It’s a slow burn, but the final act is unforgettable.
• The Guardian: “A meandering, indulgent, yet ultimately compelling love letter to old Hollywood. The film’s pace might frustrate some, but the performances are universally excellent.
• The New York Times: “Tarantino’s most mature film yet. It’s a wistful and violent fairy tale that’s both a tribute to and a critique of the Hollywood dream. DiCaprio and Pitt shine.

Audience Reactions

The final act is an explosive, unforgettable sequence that subverts expectations.: Most viewers enjoyed the chemistry between DiCaprio and Pitt, along with the meticulously crafted 1960s atmosphere.

The movie is a nostalgic ride through a bygone era of Hollywood, capturing the essence of the time period perfectly.: Many appreciate the unique storytelling approach and the way Tarantino plays with history.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning, nostalgic, and often violent trip through 1960s Hollywood that will delight some and frustrate others with its slow burn pace and unexpected ending.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 2020
2. Academy Award (Best Production Design)- 2020
3. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 2020
4. Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)- 2020
5. BAFTA Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The producers had initial difficulties convincing Hollywood Boulevard vendors to allow their premises to be fitted with period facades, but most vendors wanted to keep the facades after filming.”
• “Quentin Tarantino originally wrote the role of Cliff Booth with Brad Pitt in mind, even before the script was complete.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features a mix of original recordings from the 1960s and new recordings created specifically for the movie to capture the era’s sound.”
• “The scene where Cliff Booth spars with Bruce Lee was inspired by real-life rumors about Bruce Lee’s personality, though the fight is fictional.”
• “Tarantino personally selected the vintage cars and costumes to ensure authenticity, reflecting his passion for the period.”

🖥️ How to Watch Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood?

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. It can also be purchased digitally through various online stores such as Google Play Movies and Vudu. For physical copies, check major retailers like Amazon or Best Buy for Blu-ray and DVD options. Keep an eye out for special editions, which often include behind-the-scenes footage.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, you might like these similar films:

• Boogie Nights (1997): Explores a similar era (1970s porn industry) with a focus on characters trying to navigate a changing industry and culture.
• Pulp Fiction (1994): Another Quentin Tarantino film with non-linear storytelling and a focus on memorable characters, blending dark humor and violence.
• Hollywood (2020): A limited series that also reimagines Hollywood history and explores themes of ambition, discrimination, and changing social norms.
• American Graffiti (1973): A nostalgic look at 1960s youth culture and the end of an era, providing a similar atmosphere to ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’
• The Big Lebowski (1998): Features a laid-back, somewhat aimless protagonist with a unique charm, similar to Cliff Booth, and a cult following.

🛒 Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood Related Products

• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Limited Edition Blu-ray: Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and a collectible booklet with photos and essays. A must-have for any Tarantino fan.
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Soundtrack Vinyl: Features the original songs from the film on a double LP, capturing the 60s vibe and sounds, with retro packaging.
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: The Game (PS5/Xbox): An interactive game where players explore 1969 Hollywood, take on roles inspired by the movie, and experience their own adventures. Features a storyline tied into the movie’s events with unique content. Play as Rick Dalton or Cliff Booth.
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Movie Poster (Framed): High-quality framed replica of the movie’s iconic poster. Perfect for adding a touch of cinematic style to any room.

🎧 Soundtrack

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mrs. Robinson” – performed by Simon & Garfunkel
• “Bring a Little Lovin'” – performed by Los Bravos
• “Hush” – performed by Deep Purple
• “The Letter” – performed by Joe Cocker
• “California Dreamin'” – performed by José Feliciano
• “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” – performed by Vanilla Fudge

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Leonardo DiCaprio & Quentin Tarantino Break Down Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’s Main Character

Curious about the character development of Rick Dalton? Join Leonardo DiCaprio and Quentin Tarantino as they dissect the character’s journey in this insightful interview.

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Confused about the ending of ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’? This video breaks down the climax, its connection to other Tarantino films, and its historical context.

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood | Tarantino at his Most Meta

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