Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Last night, the time had finally arrived. I have been looking forward to Quentin Tarantino's ninth film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, since I saw the first trailer. This screening, in the Cinerama Dome on Sunset Boulevard, in Hollywood, was the second public screening of the film but the first in 70 mm. This poster display really whet my appetite last weekend when we went to the theater to see another film:

Inside the Dome, there were cool decorations:

And I got a chance to give the man himself some advice as he lined up a shot:

There were some bright lights on in the theater before the film, as you can see by this screen saver on the Dome's curved screen. The host for the evening asked some trivia questions:

How many Tarantino films has Kurt Russel been in?
A: Three, Death Proof, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Prize: Caramel corn

Name all nine Tarantino films in order.
A: Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill, Death Proof, Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.
Prize: A pen? It was in a long box tied with a bow, and the guy sitting next to my won it.

What Godard film is Quentin Tarantino's production company named after?
A: A Band Apart Productions is named for Bande à part.
Prize: A poster for the film, signed by Quentin Tarantino!

Finally, the time we had been waiting for...Mr. Tarantino himself came up to introduce the movie. He thanked us all for supporting his art, and said he really appreciated all the shirts people wore that bore images from his films. He noted that he would be in the audience watching the film with us and warned people not to spoil it for him by asking him questions or trying to get something signed. It was believed that Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio would be interviewed after the film, but instead it was the editor, Fred Raskin and the costumer, Nancy Haigh. They had some interesting details to offer about the film.

I won't spoil the film for you. The trailer pretty much sums it up. Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Rick Dalton, an actor past his prime and afraid he's a has-been. He lives next door to Roman Polanski who is riding high after the success of Rosemary's Baby, and Polanski's wife, Sharon Tate. Rick hangs around with his stuntman, Cliff Booth, portrayed by Brad Pitt. The movie is essentially a day-in-the-life film, rather than a plot-driven scheme.

I was a pre-teen in 1969 when the film was set, so I really appreciated all the little touches in the film, from the music, radio station (KHJ), cars, movies, theaters, restaurants seen in passing, even George Putnam's name on a bench (he was a reporter on local TV and had a boat next to my wife's friend's boat in Marina Del Rey).

I hadn't seen that many films by 1969 when the Manson murders took place so, to me, Sharon Tate has always just been a murder victim. But seeing Margot Robbie bring Sharon Tate to life, especially the scene of her sitting in the Bruin Theater in Westwood watching the real Sharon Tate on the screen, experiencing the joy her performance brought to the audience...well, it's was really touching and a scene I'll never forget.

I won't say anymore, but I do recommend this film. Here are some of our souvenirs: A map, metal tickets, and a drink glass that came with a great gin cocktail called The Dome.

All pictures and words are mine. The photos were taken with an iPhone SE, even the one my wife snapped of me :-)

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Thanks @otage for my name in blacktop alphabet!

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