MovieChat Forums > Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019) Discussion > Overrated

Overrated

posted 9 months ago by redban (6318)
22 replies | jump to latest

I heard so much praise about this movie. I finally got around to watching it over 4 years later, in 2024

The movie is gorgeous, with all the 1960 imagery. Pitt and DiCaprio are charismatic as always … but the movie’s plot was weak, there are too many scenes that make me wonder “what was the point” (eg Margot Robbie at the movies), I don’t really know what the hell the purpose of Margot Robbie’s character was, and the ending with the home invasion felt sudden and out of place with the rest of the film

C-

[–] maul (1641) 3 months ago

It was just another fantasy historical revenge jerkoff from Quentin's ever-decreasing bag of tricks.

Needing to know the Manson backstory in order to have the film work is a massive flaw as well. Otherwise you're not really in on the setup/payoff, and like you said, the logic of certain scenes falls apart.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (21542) 3 months ago

Seriously, who doesn’t know about the Manson murders?

[–] maul (1641) 3 months ago

There's a difference between knowing vaguities about the Manson murders existing, and knowing all the players involved and what specifically happened.

Plenty of people didn't know those things, judging by various comments and reviews - personally I've been watching Manson interviews and reading books on it for decades, so I'm not referring to myself here.

A film should work as a self-contained entity, and this doesn't fully.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (21542) 3 months ago

I get where you’re coming from, but just knowing that Manson had a bunch of brain washed followers and murdered Sharon Tate would seem to be enough information to put things into context for the film.

I do see your point, though. Think about the segment devoted to Rick going to Italy and starring in films there. That might not be so interesting unless you know the history of Italian Genre Cinema during that time.

[–] maul (1641) 3 months ago

Well, judging by OP's post they didn't really know who Sharon Tate's character was and her importance to the real story, so those extended scenes of her living her life fell completely flat for instance.

A lot of the tension and meaning is also lost if you didn't know the specifics of Spahn Ranch, who Tex is, etc. - as Manson himself is barely mentioned.

The point you brought up is a good one as well. Remove prior knowledge of these aspects and the film suffers quite a bit as its own thing.

[–] [deleted] 3 months ago

Me no understand movie. Big boom boom violence no happen until three hours in. Me no like movie.