Bruce Lee in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood": Fact vs. Fiction

Bruce Lee's Legacy in the Pre-MMA Era

Bruce Lee existed in an era before Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) became a mainstream phenomenon, which later demonstrated how different martial arts compared in real fight scenarios. Lee's contributions to martial arts were groundbreaking, blending various techniques and philosophies that predated the cross-disciplinary approach of modern MMA. His influence remains a cornerstone in martial arts history, making any portrayal of him a subject of significant interest and scrutiny.

In Quentin Tarantino's film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Bruce Lee's character is used to explore the relationship between movie stars and their stunt doubles. The movie presents a fictional "what if" scenario, altering historical events like the Sharon Tate murders, and intertwining real-life figures with imaginative storytelling.

The Fight Scene: A Flashback with a Twist

One of the most controversial scenes in the film involves a flashback where Bruce Lee fights Cliff Booth, a stunt double played by Brad Pitt. This scene, viewed from Booth's perspective, suggests that it may not be an accurate portrayal. The film uses this moment to inject humor and irony, showing Lee losing to a stunt double, which serves as a joke within the broader narrative.

The scene is a flashback from Booth's perspective, emphasizing its subjective nature. Everyone in the scene disappears, underscoring that it is Booth's memory rather than an objective recounting of events. This creative choice highlights the film's theme of Hollywood myth-making, blending fact with fiction.

Bruce Lee's Real-Life Encounters and Adaptations

In real life, Bruce Lee sparred with a stuntman skilled in grappling, an encounter that left a significant impression on him. This experience led Lee to incorporate grappling skills into his fighting repertoire, showcasing his adaptability and openness to learning from different martial disciplines. Tarantino used this real-life sparring event and adapted it for the Brad Pitt character in the film, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

The portrayal of Bruce Lee in the movie serves to highlight the film's theme of Hollywood myth-making and the mythologizing of martial artists before the advent of MMA. The character of Cliff Booth is a composite of various Hollywood stuntmen and their experiences, further blending reality with fiction.

Historical Touchpoints and Fictional Elements

"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" has numerous touchpoints in reality, blending real events with fictional elements. The film reflects on the end of the 60s flower child era and the transition to the 70s, using historical figures and events to create a narrative that diverges from actual history. Quentin Tarantino often treads the line between clever and absurd, as seen in his portrayal of Bruce Lee.

The film is a fantasy re-write of the Manson family Tate/L****nca murders, mixing reality with fiction. The movie's ending signifies a departure from real-life events, indicating an alternate universe. This creative liberty allows Tarantino to explore themes of change, nostalgia, and the impact of Hollywood's golden age.

The Character of Cliff Booth

The character Cliff Booth remembers Bruce Lee as arrogant, although the film later shows Lee being nice to Sharon Tate. This duality serves to humanize Lee while also fitting into the film's narrative needs. Quentin Tarantino wasn't portraying Bruce Lee as an antagonist in real life but needed that portrayal for Cliff Booth's story.

By blending these elements, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" creates a rich tapestry that reflects on the mythologizing of martial artists and the broader cultural shifts of the era. The film uses historical figures and events to craft a story that is both a tribute to and a critique of Hollywood's legacy.