magdalenacquintana Reviews

The Revenant (I) (2015)

A Work of Art

[10/10 · 7 August 2021]

The Revenant was an incredible film, from start to finish. The cinematography was breath taking, and the acting outstanding. It's the only film to ever be shot in chronological order, which is not an easy task. Leonardo submerged himself in freezing waters, in 40 below temperatures, for the perfect shot. He ate a real, raw, and bloody buffalo liver, when he's a strict vegetarian. It takes 100% more acting skill to act alone, in the elements, with minimal dialogue, having to convey every emotion, and physical struggle, with your eyes, and facial expression, and body language, then it does to act in any other capacity. That is true acting. Roles like this are to be respected. They show an actors raw ability.

The film was shot in all natural lighting in the Canadian rockies, in the middle of winter, and when the location was effected by a change in climate, production had to be stalled for 5 months while they moved it to the tip of southern Argentina to shoot the last few segments.

The entire project from idea to finish, was 5 years in the making. This film is a work of art, paired with a beautiful score, that convey's every emotion.

I've seen this film 3 times in theaters, and every time it gets better and better. You can't compete with a masterpiece like The Revenant.

I live in Hollywood and work in the entertainment industry. I have been on countless film sets, and have worked with many actors and directors, I know how the industry works, and have witnessed first hand what goes into making a movie. The passion each and every person involved puts into their job, is inspiring. The passion that went into The Revenant, was above and beyond.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

A Few Words by Me on Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood

[10/10 · 7 August 2021]

When I first moved to Hollywood in October 2009, I made some friends who happened to know Quentin Tarantino. I remember the first place I met him was standing outside of The Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax. He stood quietly amongst his group and acknowledged my friends and I. He was one of those people who at first glance, you knew exactly who he was. Having been a long time admirer of his work, it was surreal to be in the presence of the man responsible for the wildly eccentric and artistic films of which the VHS copies had lined the shelves of my home movie collection growing up. Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Sin City, Grind House, Death Proof, and at that time, the recently released Inglorious Basterds.

Naturally, I followed his work over the years, and was always excited when a new project was released.

When I heard that Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood was in production, I think it goes without saying, that I was ecstatic. I mean, counting down the days until its release on my calendar ecstatic. Leonardo DiCaprio has been my favorite actor since Titanic, Brad Pitt, another long time favorite since A River Runs Through It, and Margot Robbie, a favorite since I first saw her in the short lived television series, Pan Am.

As predicted, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood did not disappoint.

Every aspect of this film was art in the greatest sense of the word.

I loved that although the plot takes place in the months and days leading up to the infamous Manson Murders of Sharon Tate, the focus remained largely on DiCaprio and Pitt's fictional characters. I appreciated that Manson was only mentioned several times and had zero screen time.

I loved how it portrayed Sharon Tate as innocent, bubbly and happy. There's a scene in the Fox Theater in Westwood Village where Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), watches the real Tate on screen, and it was nothing short of endearing. It almost brought tears to my eyes to see her so happy and cheerful, as she looked around smiling at the audiences reactions to her acting on screen, and then to think of how her true story came to a tragic end in the non-Tarantino reality of her life.

Every character drew you in, and made you feel for them. Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), with his worries of a fading career, and extreme highs and lows, Cliff Booth (Pitt), with his chill, laid back lifestyle and attitude, and Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), with her innocence and girl next door persona; all of which made these characters lovable and somehow, relatable. The acting, on every front, was impeccably executed.

Having lived in and amongst the canyons and freeways of Hollywood for the past 10 years, it was fascinating to see a 1969 version of the city so beautifully brought to life on the big screen. The costumes, the lighting, the props, the old cars; all perfectly working as one.

The third act brought me so much joy. I loved how Tarantino rewrote history and flipped the script, completely surprising the audience. It made me wish that this was how the night of August 8th, 1969 had really played out. The classic Tarantino comedic violence was epic, and Pitt and DiCaprio's characters were hilarious. The writing, seamless.

From top to bottom, every frame of this film was a true masterpiece.

I have never seen a film that better dealt (loosely) with the subject of a real life horrific event, and managed to do so with the utmost respect. I don't think there will ever be another film quite like this one again.

Thank you, Quentin Tarantino, for continuously making art that transcends. I patiently await your 10th (and final?) film, and maybe one day I'll see you again, once upon a time...in Hollywood.