Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino’s sprawling and nostalgic love letter to 1969 Los Angeles, clocks in at a significant 2 hours and 41 minutes (161 minutes). This runtime firmly positions it amongst Tarantino’s longer films, offering audiences a deep dive into the lives of its characters and the atmosphere of the era.
Diving Deeper: Unpacking the Film’s Length
While the runtime is a simple figure, the reasons behind it, and its impact on the viewing experience, are far more nuanced. Tarantino is known for his deliberate pacing, extended dialogue scenes, and meticulous attention to detail. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood embraces all these characteristics, creating a cinematic world that feels remarkably immersive.
A Slow Burn: The Art of Tarantino’s Pacing
Tarantino rarely rushes a scene. He allows his characters to breathe, engage in seemingly mundane conversations, and build tension gradually. This deliberate pacing is a key element of his storytelling style and allows the audience to truly connect with Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), and Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). The length allows the film to luxuriate in the authenticity of its recreated 1969 Hollywood, from the music to the fashion to the advertising.
Character Development: Time Well Spent
The extended runtime allows for extensive character development. We see Rick Dalton struggle with his fading career, Cliff Booth grapple with his reputation and past, and Sharon Tate revel in the joy of her rising stardom. These characters are not simply plot devices; they are fully realized individuals with their own hopes, fears, and desires. The length facilitates a deeper understanding of their motivations and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Once Upon a Time in Hollywood‘s Runtime
Here are some commonly asked questions surrounding the film’s length and its various aspects:
FAQ 1: Is Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Tarantino’s Longest Film?
No, it isn’t. The Hateful Eight holds the record for Tarantino’s longest film, with a runtime of 2 hours and 48 minutes (168 minutes) for the theatrical cut, and even longer for the extended cut. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is still a considerably long film, however, and longer than films like Inglourious Basterds and Pulp Fiction.
FAQ 2: Does the Length of the Film Justify the Story?
This is subjective, but many critics and viewers agree that the length is justified by the depth of character development, the meticulous recreation of 1969 Hollywood, and Tarantino’s signature style. The film isn’t just about plot; it’s about atmosphere, character, and the feeling of a specific time and place. If you are looking for a fast paced thriller, this may not be the right movie.
FAQ 3: Are There Different Versions of the Film with Different Run Times?
No, there are no official alternate cuts of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with significantly different runtimes available for commercial release. The theatrical and home video versions are essentially the same. There may be behind-the-scenes footage or deleted scenes available as extras, but these don’t constitute an alternate version of the film itself.
FAQ 4: Where Can I Stream Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?
Streaming availability varies depending on your region. Typically, you can find it on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or through rental services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local streaming services for availability.
FAQ 5: Does the Film Feel Long While Watching It?
Opinions vary. Some viewers find the pacing deliberate and engaging, while others might find it slow or even boring in parts. It really depends on your personal preference for Tarantino’s style and your investment in the characters and the setting. The first half may feel a bit slow as it establishes the characters and setting.
FAQ 6: Is There an Intermission During the Theatrical Release?
No, there was no official intermission during the theatrical release of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Tarantino did sometimes include intermissions in screenings of The Hateful Eight, but this was not the case for this film.
FAQ 7: Why is the Film So Long? What’s Tarantino Trying to Achieve?
Tarantino’s intention seems to be to immerse the audience in the experience of 1969 Hollywood, rather than simply telling a straightforward narrative. He uses the extended runtime to explore the lives of his characters in detail, showcase the atmosphere of the era, and build a sense of tension and unease.
FAQ 8: Is the Length Appropriate for a Theatrical Release?
This is a subjective matter. While some audiences prefer shorter, more concise films, others appreciate the opportunity to spend more time in a cinematic world. Many considered the length to be well suited to the story being told. The film’s success at the box office suggests that the length did not deter audiences.
FAQ 9: How Does the Runtime Compare to Other Tarantino Films?
As mentioned earlier, it’s shorter than The Hateful Eight, but longer than Pulp Fiction (2 hours 34 minutes), Inglourious Basterds (2 hours 33 minutes), Django Unchained (2 hours 45 minutes), and Kill Bill: Volume 1 (1 hour 51 minutes) and Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2 hours 17 minutes). This places it firmly within the range of Tarantino’s longer and more epic films.
FAQ 10: Does the Film’s Length Impact its Re-watchability?
Potentially. Some viewers may find the length daunting for repeat viewings, while others may appreciate the opportunity to discover new details and nuances with each watch. It really depends on your personal viewing habits and your enjoyment of the film. Fans of the film often cite its rewatchability due to the richness of its details.
FAQ 11: Are There Any Particularly Long or Slow Scenes in the Movie?
Yes, there are several scenes that are deliberately paced and contribute to the film’s overall length. Examples include Cliff Booth’s drive through Los Angeles, Sharon Tate watching herself in The Wrecking Crew, and Rick Dalton’s struggles on the set of his Western TV show. These scenes are not necessarily action-packed, but they are crucial for establishing the film’s atmosphere and developing its characters.
FAQ 12: Does the Runtime Affect the Film’s Award Nominations or Recognition?
The runtime itself likely didn’t directly impact the film’s award nominations or recognition. However, the length allowed Tarantino to create a more immersive and complex cinematic experience, which likely contributed to the film’s critical acclaim and success. The film received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards.
Conclusion: A Long Film, But a Rich Experience
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood‘s runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes is a significant commitment for viewers, but it is also a key element of the film’s overall experience. Tarantino uses this time to create a richly detailed world, develop his characters in depth, and explore the themes of nostalgia, fading fame, and the changing landscape of Hollywood. Whether or not the length is justified is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but the film’s critical acclaim and commercial success suggest that many viewers found the experience worthwhile. It stands as a testament to Tarantino’s unique vision and his ability to craft immersive and memorable cinematic experiences.