Carl Harmeling

The one question I want to pose is this. What is the meaning of the crucifix covered in snow at the very beginning? Actually I have another question. No, actually it’s not a question, it’s just a statement of the obvious. Satan rules. This film was hard to watch but I felt duty bound to stick with it. There is nothing to analyze here, just this; the meaning of death. Mr. Tarantino has been bold to make this movie and those who supported it are to be commended. It hurts. It makes us cry bitter tears. Blessed are those who are wounded in their love of humanity. Thank you for making this film.

This is a superior achievement by director and actors. De Capprio is absolutely hilarious as the stuttering and neurotic Dalton throwing a temper tantrum. He perfectly portrays the nerve jangled actor who nonetheless does his best acting while closest to the edge of sanity. And he does not seem to realize how good his acting has become. Brad Pitt is equally adept with the Booth character who is like Dalton completely lacking in insight. His role as a bodhissatva in service to his lord and master Dalton is perfection. He is as lacking in worldly ambition as Dalton is consumed by it. His modest and humble nature is the perfect foil to Dalton’s aggressive and grandiose vain glory. Not to say Dalton is unredeemable. He shows sympathy with the child actor and genuine concern for the wounded Booth and extreme modesty in approaching the Sharon Tate character. Perhaps he can be saved. For Booth we have no worries. He is mocking, violent and unmoved by the turn of events whatever comes his way. The glory to come is his. His concern for the Spahn character’s welfare and his tenacity in fulfilling what he sees as his duty defines the type. The Bruce Lee character is a parody and once again Tarantino gives us a hilarious scene in the combat with Booth, mostly due to Moh’s mocking portrayal of the famous martial artist. We fall in love with the Tate character and this causes our hearts to break as we know the reality all too well. ‘If only’ becomes a thought but this is only weak nostalgia and this is where the Hollywood pathos bites hardest. There is no parallel universe to fall back on. Fairytales are for little children. This enigmatic drama comes highly recommended and justifies and rewards multiple viewings. Great job well done. Thanks Mr. Tarantino