The resident genius and occasional critic, Quentin Tarantino, had once upon a time wondered whether he would be able to get his dream cast on board with his latest script, and as such, was well resigned to his fate, whatever it may be. It rarely ever happens that an actor has turned down a role offered by Quentin Tarantino when everything the man touches instantly becomes a certified classic. But Hollywood is enslaved to volatility, change, and evolution, and anything that does not move forward sinks. And the same applies to even the greatest actors and directors on the roster.
Quentin Tarantino on Working With Leonardo DiCaprio & Brad Pitt
Even before the production began for the 2019 film, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, it was making the rounds for its spectacular and unbelievable cast. It was almost impossible to comprehend Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie starring alongside each other, all given equal notability in the film, none outshining the other, and each one perfectly comfortable in their respectively designated roles. What were the chances of someone scripting a film that could do that with the greatest actors this generation has been lucky enough to witness and pitch them in a synchronized harmony?
Quentin Tarantino knew that the probability of finding his desired lineup of actors available for his film at the same time was negligible. And he didn’t shy away from acknowledging that fact in an interview with BBC Radio 1’s Ali Plumb:
“People were asking me… they were like, ‘Did you write [Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood] with them in mind?’ And I go, ‘Well, I guess I did, but, I couldn’t assume I’d get them. I mean, this is like the casting cue of the century!’ But in the case of Brad and Leo who I’ve worked with before, I’m just lucky they respond to my work. If I send them a script to read, they’ll definitely [read it].
I mean, unless there’s like a thing. And neither one of these guys book themselves up three picutres deep, you know. So, unless they are doing something at that particular moment, you can maybe get them. It’s conceivable. But I’m just lucky about the fact that they like my work, so they wanna read it and then we can talk about the character.”
Looking back on it, it is rather hard to believe a production of Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood without the characters of Leo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie in the lineup.
Quentin Tarantino’s Movie on Hollywood and Its Stars
In its potential for comedic hilarity, Quentin Tarantino writes the script and directs the movie about a once bright actor facing the doom of his stardom and tackling the supposed atrocity of having to take up supporting roles with his stunt double always by his side as his wingman. Even despite the essential tone of comedy/drama that the film pitches, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood becomes hilarious for Leonardo DiCaprio appearing as a washed-out movie star with Brad Pitt driving him around and giving him pep talks while dropping him off on sets. Margot Robbie as usual is a breath of fresh air through and through.
Evolving from Nazis, ninja assassins, and bounty-hunting slaves, Tarantino’s mind now turns around for introspection of its own home, Hollywood, and all its colorfully outfitted characters.
Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood is available for streaming on Apple TV+.
Source: BBC Radio 1
