Divisive

Rating: 7/10 (2 September 2019)

This film leaved me with very, very mixed feelings. The rendering of LA at the end of the 60s is visually stunning without appearing fake or forced. Cars, outfits, buildings, landscapes, everything feels real, on point and contributes to create a vibrant atmosphere. The acting is top notch, especially Brad Pitt.
Now I have to be honest I did not understand a lot of key aspects as I was watching it and I believe the negative reviews are partly based on a misunderstanding (and maybe a certain lack of humility of some people...). Every scene is packed with references, symbols and deep meaning hidden under the surface. From the Margot Robbie scene in the movie Theater portraying the innocence of those days to the brutal, cathartic end fueled by the hate for the Manson family and the Sharon Tate murderers that destroyed this very innocence.
The main characters are two sides of the same coin. Leo is a doubtful, half touching half insufferable person, borderline alcoholic, constantly seeking approval from others. The actor is first of all a man. Brad is incredibly calm, confident, full of secrets and resources. He s the unbreakable character in a movie from the 60s.
So what could seem empty and boring is actually quite meaningful, everything stands for something and there s meaning in everything, however the average viewer that I am would have appreciated another layer of more basic scenario and more entertaining dialogues (as Tarantino got us used to).
In the end this movie has outstanding redeeming qualities but it s paradoxically too personal to be considered a universal masterpiece. That s my humble opinion.