Tarantino in 2019 * Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Tarantino describes it as “a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. 

The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). 

Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don’t recognize anymore.

But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor…Sharon Tate.  

Best Picture nominees - Oscars

Here is the list of 2018 Oscar nominations - and my review linked to those I have seen.  All of them I saw got 4 stars or better.  

Best Picture:

“Call Me by Your Name”

“Darkest Hour”

“Dunkirk”

“Get Out”

“Lady Bird”

“Phantom Thread”

“The Post”

“The Shape of Water”

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

My prediction:  Lady Bird

Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)

Starring Meryl Streep as Florence, this "Based on True Events" bit of historical fiction tells of a New York socialite who has the hobby of opera singing.  She is no good of course, but she surrounds herself with people who (deceive?) her into thinking otherwise.

Also starring Hugh Grant as her husband, who plays his type of the loving/unloving husband.  Simon Helberg steals the show as Cosme, the knowning accompanist.

When Florence gets the idea to perform at Carnegie Hall on her own dime, the plot evolves into a bit from The Producers, so bad it must be good.  Florence would be a hit on YouTube today.

* * * of 5

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Best Actress Academy Award to Julia Roberts for this biopic of the self-titled legal assistant who helped win a big pollution case while keeping her uniquely feminine side in a man's world.  Of course a role custom made for Julia Roberts.  Directed by Steven Soderbergh.

We were talking about this in relations to potential local pollution of Lake James.  My friend Crystal noted the similarities when the discussion turned to a lawsuit.  Great memory!