The Most Gentle Of Tarantino

Rating: 8/10 (27 July 2019)

In his only film with zero N-bombs, Tarantino takes on the town that he grew up against. And though there really isn't much of a plot to speak of, it is an exercise in atmosphere and recreating a bygone era without internet, cell phones, or social media. Instead, creative people bounced around waiting to do things. Especially in the case of Rick Dalton, a washed up Hollywood Western actor who has been relegated to playing villain roles which is the road to being a true washed up actor. Without an actor, listless Cliff Booth...Dalton's stunt double is also without a job.
Now, you may be really frustrated at where this film goes, because...really, it spins its wheels until a gruesome, yet darkly funny ending emerges. And, truth be told, it's really not that funny either, it becomes Tarantino's next attempt at re-writing history. Does it matter? No...the title tells you it's a fairy tale, but what I got from it, is the sensibility of drifters walking through Hollywood trying to do things without it being anything other than employment. Today's Hollywood is more about being famous than anything.
And that is the charm of this, is that DiCaprio's Dalton isn't wallowing in fame or fortune, it's that he is desperately looking for the next role.
Yes, once you get Tarantino's little gags, such as anticipation for something brutal to occur at the Spahn Ranch where Manson Family live...it becomes a tense humorous release. OR, the constant jokes on absurdist dialogue. Yes, those are transparent Tarantino. BUT, in an odd way, this is ALSO his most casual bounce. A bygone era of...innocence. As if a child told you this story.
And if you can dig that, than you will have a great time.