Tarantino film on Hollywood, dreamlike, fiery... and long

Rating: 7/10 (28 July 2019)

I usually see a film knowing as little as possible because I find it helps maximize the film's impact. Quentin Tarantino's latest epic recreation (and desecration) of history proves to be the exception. It pays to read up on this film's essential story especially if you had not been born yet when it all takes place.
Which is not to say the film isn't arresting and captivating even if you don't know all the players. But it will seem interminable, maybe even aimless at times if you don't know where Tarantino is going. Some of it will be obvious to younger viewers, the rest of it no so much. But I highly recommend knowing the lay of the land before going to see this. Otherwise, you're more likely to feel the running time of this film.
In terms of performances, Leonardo DiCaprio is quite good as a fading Hollywood actor who is grasping at straws to revive his career, but here he is out-acted by a considerable margin by Brad Pitt who turns in a charismatic performance as the actor's stunt double and driver. Margot Robbie is an appealing presence as the young, up-and-coming actress Sharon Tate. Al Pacino and Kurt Russell are both a joy to watch in small roles that add spice and backstory to the proceedings.
As a director, Tarantino has a recurring issue with his films rarely getting sufficient cutting room time, and here it's no exception. Although I would have preferred a tighter film, the gripping closing act erases most of the flaws and ends on a bittersweet note, leaving us with a truly surreal film experience, that is a feather in the cap of everyone involved. All it could have used was a real editor. Recommended.