Even in a summer dominated by Disney, the 9th film from Quentin Tarantino demands attention. The promise of the Pulp Fiction directors take on The Manson Family has resulted in the biggest opening weekend ever for a Tarantino film, giving a small flicker of hope to anyone who sees a cinematic future beyond remakes and superheroes.
The film is set in an alternative Hollywood in 1969, around the time that Charles Manson and his Family would begin their infamous crime spree. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Rick Dalton, an alcoholic, insecure actor who was the star of a successful 50s cowboy show, but now finds his career faltering. He coasts on guest spots, driven around by his loyal stuntman/assistant Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). A new job and a series of coincidences sees both mens fates intertwined with that of Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), a young movie star in the headlines for her relationship with Roman Polanski.
Tarantino has insisted he will retire from the big screen after ten films, potentially making this his penultimate work. Hes always divided opinion, but those who are fans of his grindhouse symphonies will be in heaven here. He brings to life a Hollywood thats in flux, with the remnants of the old studio system slowly crumbling and the talent struggling to keep up with the times.
Ive heard the movie referred to as Tarantinos Seinfeld – in other words a movie about nothing. And thats true to some extent – there isnt an overarching plot – but thats not to say nothing happens. Like many Tarantino films, its really about spending time with the characters. The camera patiently observes as we are led into the Hollywood of Steve McQueen, Polanski, and Bruce Lee. The martial arts legend is portrayed in a rather unflattering light, although actor Mike Mohs impression is strikingly accurate. By contrast, Damian Lewis doesnt quite capture the essence of McQueen, although the appearance is a short one. There are also famous faces in smaller roles, such as Al Pacino as a talent agent; Kurt Russell as a henpecked stuntman; and Luke Perry in his final appearance as one of Daltons co-stars.
At the centre of it all is DiCaprio, proving himself to be one of the most versatile actors around. Last time he worked with the director he played vile slave owner Calvin Candie. Dalton is a different proposition altogether. Bloated and fragile, his lifetime of vices has resulted in persistent coughs and grunts; its a portrait of a man at the bottom of the showbiz barrel. And while the role could have been played for laughs, DiCaprio brings nuance and pathos.
Parallel to this is the story of Tate, played brilliantly by Robbie. Headlines were written about the fact the Suicide Squad actor doesnt have many lines, but a lack of dialogue doesnt mean a lack of importance (just ask the cast of last years A Quiet Place). Told visually, Robbies Tate provides a graceful juxtaposition to Dalton, showing a career just taking off rather than one winding down. She wanders wide-eyed into a cinema to watch herself in comedy The Wrecking Crew, barely containing her glee at the audiences responses. The innocence of the way shes portrayed is given a weight by the knowledge of whats to come.
Pitt is the connective tissue, becoming embroiled in a tense confrontation with the Manson Family that will ultimately link Dalton and TateRead More – Source
