Trailer Review | Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

It's almost impossible to comprehend how many major trailers we have been given in the past two weeks. Aladdin, Endgame, Toy Story 4, Stranger Things (review for that coming soon), and now, the already incredible, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood - my most anticipated film of the year (tied with Endgame, of course).

This trailer was exactly what I had expected and more - of course, it's a short trailer, at a runtime of 1 minute and 40 seconds, so obviously I am still salivating for more, but they really did maximise on the limited runtime since this trailer was jam-packed with a vast range of visuals but also incredibly consistent. The scope feels authentic yet dream-like, and I think this is due to the fact that this film was shot on location in Hollywood, which is a rarity nowadays, and a factor which I believe will make Once Upon A Time In Hollywood a unique experience. The setting of the 1960s is wonderfully demonstrated here, with hippie imagery and ageless Hollywood glamour combining to embody the essence of the time period.

It is surprising to come to terms with the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt have never worked together on screen before, and makes this film all the more exciting since we are seeing this dynamic for the first time, previously compared by Tarantino to the likes of Paul Newman and Robert Redford. DiCaprio has a scene-stealing presence in this trailer - something which will likely shine through in the film - and it feels like an incredibly natural and obvious role for him; a character it seems like he was born to play. Pitt, although marketed in the posters with the same exposure as DiCaprio, seems to be more of a supporting role, something more passive and 'cool', which so far establishes a great dynamic between them since it is clear that their characters have different qualities. My favourite shot in the trailer is the one featured above, but my favourite scene is the opening interview sequence shot in black-and-white - so far it seems to perfectly embody the dynamic between the characters.

Although Margot Robbie's Sharon Tate only gets a couple of moments, they make a serious impression, and with the very little we are given she really does seem to be doing a stellar, stellar job (#OscarForMargot2020). I am very curious to see how Tarantino handles the Sharon Tate issue since it is, of course, very sensitive, and knowing Tarantino, anything could happen - he could rewrite history for all we know... Inglorious Basterds, anyone?

All in all, this trailer seriously lived up to expectations. It seems to be incredibly witty and fast-paced with some serious stylistic flare. I can't stop watching it, and I will continue to do so until that much anticipated release date. This one is going to be a winner.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood  is released July 26, 2019.