Why the ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Script Works

How do you write a screenplay that is a slow-burn character piece — and still manage to keep the story compelling and engaging for an audience or script reader? Enter auteur Quentin Tarantino’s 9th film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

After exploding onto the cinematic forefront of our minds in the early 1990s, Quentin Tarantino has become one of the most iconic faces of screenwriting. For over two decades his scripts have given us perfect examples of unique storytelling, dynamic dialogue, and some of the most interesting characters ever to hit the big screen.

In July of 2017, Quentin Tarantino announced that he had written a screenplay that involved the Manson Family murders of 1969. Harvey and Bob Weinstein, his long-time collaborative partners, were initially attached to the project until Quentin went his separate ways in the wake of Harvey’s sexual abuse allegations.

There was a bidding war between Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Annapurna Pictures and Lionsgate for the distribution rights. Sony won.

Many actors were connected with the film in its early stages. Brad Pitt was always in the conversation. Samuel L. Jackson was rumored to be in the running for a major part as well. Tom Cruise and Tarantino were in talks for Cruise to take on a lead role at one point.

Meanwhile, the script was constantly changing. Pitt was initially up for a detective role — a character that was investigating the Manson Family murders. However, it seems that Tarantino’s script evolved away from an outright Manson Family-centered story to one that focused more on Hollywood circa 1969 — the year of the murders — through the eyes of two fictional characters (amalgams inspired by real Hollywood figures during that time); fading Hollywood star Rick Dalton and his best friend, assistant, and stunt double Cliff Booth.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie were signed.

In May 2018, Burt Reynolds, Tim Roth (his scene was cut), Kurt Russell, and Michael Madsen joined the cast with the latter three in small roles. Reynolds would pass away before filming his scenes. Bruce Dern was brought in to replace him.

Timothy Olyphant, Damian Lewis, Luke Perry, Emile Hirsch, Dakota Fanning, Clifton Collins Jr., Keith Jefferson, Nicholas Hammond, Al Pacino, Scoot McNairy, Spencer Garrett, James Remar, Brenda Vaccaro, and Mike Moh later joined the cast.

Damon Herriman was brought in for a brief appearance as Charles Manson — with the additions of Lena Dunham, Austin Butler, Danny Strong, Rumer Willis, Dreama Walker, and Margaret Qualley cast in supporting roles.

Upon the film’s release, it marked the best debut for any Quentin Tarantino film and was heralded by most critics.

But what is it about this script that works for so many?

Warning: Spoilers Below! If you haven’t seen the film, save this post in your Bookmarks and return to it after you’ve seen it!

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