CineTv released a prompt today, asking us to choose our favourite Brad Pitt film to talk about. I thought this would be a good one to get involved with, as there are many of his movies that I really like.
Here's A Link To The Prompt To Get Involved.
What Film To Pick
There are so many great films that Brad Pitt has been involved in, and so many unforgettable characters he has played. One of my favourite films of his, which I have spoken about a lot here in the Cine Tv community, is Snatch, I think him playing Mickey "The sweet talkin' tattoo sportin' pikey", is amazing.
The funny thing is about that character, I saw a behind-the-scenes video on it before, and apparently, Brad Pitt approached Guy Ritchie when he heard there was a new film in production and Brad Pitt is meant to have said, "There better be a role for me in there." Jokingly.
Now that Guy Ritchie knew he was interested in a role, he got back to the script and created the character of Mickey, which is crazy as far as I'm concerned, considering he seems to be such an integral part of the film's plot.
While I could easily say that Snatch is one of my favourite films he has appeared in, I'm going to go against that and choose another of his many films. It is such a tough decision though, I think Army of The 12 Monkeys is great, as is Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and he is really funny in Horrible Bosses, and meets a sudden and shocking demise in that film which seems to have stuck in my head many years after watching it.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
This is the most recent film I saw him in, and really enjoyed the movie itself. I think Tarantino is one of my favourite filmmakers, and he has an amazing way with words that grips you and keeps you on the edge of your seat even when two characters are just sitting in a room talking with each other.
I think anyone who appreciates film, and at that, the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood will really enjoy the attention to detail in this movie. It covers many different topics, from The Charles Manson Family, to the decline of the Western, and the changing of the waves to a certain extent. In a way, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, almost feels like the taming of the Wild West, and I think that idea is captured perfectly throughout its runtime. I have no idea if that feeling is what Tarintino was going for, but even the fact that the old Western stars are being pushed aside for a new era of filmmaking is an interesting parallel and a good way to describe that huge societal change.
This film popped into my head yesterday, because I started watching Black Mirror and episode 3 of the new series has a situation that is very similar to what the Manson Family did, and how they acted.
Brad Pitts Character - Cliff Booth
Cliff in general, is a cool guy, who has been making a living as a stunt double for his friend, Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. But, it is revealed that Cliff has a dark side; a mysterious past, and due to this many people don't want to work with him. We only know him at face value, and can only go by the rumors from other characters, and we're never given a definitive answer. However, his charm on screen would almost be enough to tempt us into not believing the rumors.
The B-plot in this film sees Cliff go to an old ranch, in which the Manson Family is living, and through him, we're introduced to these people. While we know the context of what happened in reality to Sharon Tate, we start to see more of her portrayal in the film, played by Margot Robbie. As the film comes to a close, the tension builds up as we're afraid of what may be coming.
But, in this film, the hippies get the wrong house, and encounter Cliff, high on LSD, with an attack-trained hound. The conflict that ensues is probably the most memorable moment in the film and left the audience cheering in the viewing I had of the film upon its release. In a way, it felt like I was sitting in a gladiator arena back in ancient Rome - the violence ensuing on screen was met with laughs and applause. Especially for anyone who knew the reality of what actually happened that night.
It is a great film, and his role in it is very memorable and well done. The character may have had a dark past, but I'm sure in the eyes of the audience Cliff Booth completely redeemed himself just as the film came to a conclusion.
