A character driven, heady film

Rating: 9/10 (28 July 2019)

When you sit down to watch a new QT film for the first time you know he's always going to deliver on certain things. You know his track record, and you've been a fan for a long time. Some of his films are more story oriented, like Django, Basterds. They're both pretty much revenge flicks. Then you get a film like Pulp Fiction which is more character oriented. When you think about Pulp Fiction the story pretty much revolves around a few days in the life and relationship of Vincent and Jules. That's it. The Kill Bills were both story and character driven. Once Upon A Time... is one of QT's character oriented films, so if you go into it expecting and waiting for a plot like Basterds or Django you will probably be a little disappointed. I've read some critics say this film shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as Pulp Fiction. I would say it's the first of QT's films since Pulp Fiction that is a real buddy flick since this one revolves around pals Rick (Leo) and Cliff (Pitt). Once Upon A Time... will likely resonate more with QT's older audience because at it's core it is about the changing of the guard. The young pushing out the old, and the people getting pushed out struggling to understand their place in a changing industry and world. The film takes place at a time when Hollywood is changing, and both Rick and Cliff are well aware their best days are behind them. They can see the changes in themselves, in the TV and film industry, and in the city and people around them. They're having a tough time wrapping their heads around it, and especially in Rick's case he doesn't know how much time he has left in his career. These are feelings that will resonate with QT's older fans. If you go into it expecting a sentimental, and heady film, then it delivers on that.