So, I watched Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. This is a movie where you take a sip of the drink then decide to down the whole glass. I’ll definitely want to watch it again.
However, I don’t think this movie will be popular in Singapore. Moviegoers will watch it for the sake of watching because it’s Tarantino.
I dare to say what happened on 9, August 1969 in Cielo Drive L.A. is not known to 99.9 percent of the populace here. Charles Manson is not a familiar name even though the movie isn’t about him. If one doesn’t know who he is or what happened on that hot August night in summer, they’ll miss the point, I feel.
But if I were to remind the older generation of the songs by The Mamas and The Papas, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Neil Diamond, Los Bravos, I am certain it will rekindle memories of that time. They were still playing all those 60s songs back in the 70s here.
OTH is Tarantino’s fairy tale. It certainly feels like one. Maybe even an Ode.
For those of you who liked the movie, there’s actually a Facebook group dedicated to it:Group_Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
And here’s an essay by Rambo’s author David Morrell who has seen the movie more than once: David Morrell goes Rogue
By the way, do you have a favorite scene in the movie? Tell me…
Gjelina
Hip place serving LA cuisine with farm-fresh southern Californian produce in a rustic-chic dining interior.
Add: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Beachwood Café
Cute and cozy place serving American eatery tucked beneath the Hollywood sign.
Add: 2695 N Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Alcove
Housed in two historic bungalows, this cottage-like cafe serves up large plates of gourmet American classics.
Add: 1929 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Pink Taco
Trendy eatery/bar with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, serving Mexican fare, including tacos & margaritas (though the place is not mentioned in Gun Kiss, it had inspired the fictional establishment Mama Tacos owned by the protagonist).
Add: 225 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Figaro
A screenwriter and actor rendezvous spot with French antics, sidewalk tables and bistro fare.
Add: 1802 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Resw
Bar Nineteen 12 at The Beverly Hills Hotel
Indoor bar with signature cocktails overlooking the terrace.
Add: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Pita Jungle
Mediterranean/Arabic dishes with vegetarian options.
Add: 320 Regent St, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
A chat with Goldie St. Helen from Gun Kiss!
Get a glimpse inside the world of Goldie St. Helen, the A-list Hollywood movie star as she talks from her Los Feliz bungalow about career, life, and current issues.
Khaled: Thanks for agreeing to do this interview.
Goldie [smiling]: My pleasure. Nice jacket, by the way. Love Mauve.
Khaled: Thanks, I bought it for this special occasion.
Goldie: I’m flattered.
Khaled: I love the house. Did you decorate the place yourself?
Goldie: Thank you. Yes, I did, with some advice from a designer, though I wish the kitchen was bigger. The only way was to cut into the back garden, which I refused.
Khaled: The kitchen looks perfect.
Goldie [laughing]: Are you kidding me? I need room for a bigger refrigerator. Hey, I host lots of parties!
Khaled: So, tell me, have you always wanted to be a movie star?
Goldie [grinning]: I wanted to be an actress. I never thought of myself as a star. One thing led to another, so here I am today.
Khaled: Were your parents supportive of your career choice?
Goldie [smiling]: My father didn’t speak to me for six months. He wanted me to be an architect, just like him. But it’s my life. Follow your dream, right?
Khaled: So, you would’ve been an architect if you weren’t an actress?
Goldie: Hell, no. I would’ve been a botanist. I love flowers and plants. That explains the solarium at the back.
Khaled: Many have tried to break into Hollywood, but failed. What’s your secret of success?
Goldie: I joined the industry because I was passionate about acting. I wasn’t looking for fame, money, and glamor. The perks that came with being a star were bonus points. I have no expectations. I’m not afraid of competition, even from someone younger. It’s one day at a time for me. C’est la vie.
Khaled: What words of wisdom would you give aspiring actors?
Goldie: All that glitters is not gold. Be prepared to work hard. How badly do you want it? Watch every step you take. Be careful of predators.
Khaled: How do you handle sexual predators in the industry?
Goldie [smiling]: If they grab you by the pussy, kick em in the balls.
Khaled: Easier said than done. You had a tough time doing that in the book, didn’t you?
Goldie: Hey, you wrote the book! I was just doing the acting for you! If it was real life, I would’ve kicked him so hard.
Khaled: Would you do a stage play or indie movie for little or no money?
Goldie: Of course! If the script is great, yes.
Khaled: Do you ever get tired of the fame game?
Goldie: I hate the attention… but I love my fans.
Khaled: What makes you happy?
Goldie [smiling]: Myself, friends, family, and desserts.
Khaled: Is the future beautiful?
Goldie: Que Sera Sera. Maybe I’ll start a family… I still want to work. I love my job.
Khaled: Chocolate or cookie?
A: Chocolate.
Khaled: A handsome face or a good-heart?
A: A good heart.
Khaled: Love or money?
A: Love.
P.S. I’ll be hosting a Facebook party in December with lots of prizes to be won. I hope to see you there. Sign up for my newsletter at the CONTACT PAGE to know when.
