ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD by QUENTIN TARANTINO
This is the best book on writing that is not about writing I have ever read. We all know the movie and hopefully you have read the script. What you get in the novel that we don’t get in the movie is an insight into how a genius of storyteller like Tarantino breaks a story.
What was missing in the movie was the backstory of Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio’s character). That is filled out in the book to provide more emotion to the relationship between him and the young actress Mirabella. What comes from this deeper dive into these two characters is Tarantino fully breaking the story, character backgrounds and virtually writing the pilot of the TV show they were filming in the movie entitled Lancer.
Through this story we learn the backstories of the pilot’s characters and where the story is heading. It reveals how he sets up conflict and emotional questions for the characters to set up a series. It also reveals how he sees his actors delving deep into the emotion and heart of the characters. We learn their “why” or what it is that drives them and what will drive this pilot and series. It is a revelation to what sells a pilot and makes for a great emotional pitch.
Reading Once Upon a Time in Hollywood we witness the genius storytelling of Tarantino as he breaks a story and delves the depths of character. He basically lays out what it takes to create a pilot and characters to launch a series that will last for years. Finally, it is also an enjoyable read as just pure fiction fun. Take a break from the nonfiction books for a while and enjoy yourself with this one while still learning a thing or two about character and story.
I recommend that you get your hands on the Deluxe Hardcover as there are tons of bonus materials but also because it is currently cheaper than the paperback. However, this will probably only last for a limited time.