David Fincher Edited Tarantino's 'Cliff Booth' Script, Removing 60 Pages

Crafting the Booth Saga: From Epic Script to Cinematic Vision

The Extensive Initial Draft and Fincher's Editorial Vision for 'Cliff Booth'

Filmmaker David Fincher disclosed that he reduced around 60 pages from the initial screenplay penned by Quentin Tarantino for “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth.” This forthcoming film serves as a continuation of “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” with Brad Pitt reprising his role. Fincher described the first draft he reviewed as exceptionally long, totaling 230 pages, suggesting it contained enough material for two separate features. The final cut of the movie is expected to run for approximately two hours and 20 minutes.

Fincher's Focus: Character Interaction Over Intricate Plotlines in 1970s Hollywood

Fincher elaborated that his primary interest in the project was not driven by its narrative intricacies but by the chance to delve into the characters and their interrelationships within the 1970s Hollywood environment. He likened the storytelling approach to sharing tales around a campfire, emphasizing that the focus was on how the characters intersected and interacted in the back alleys of 1977 Hollywood, rather than a dense plot.

Tarantino's Relinquishment of Directing Duties and Pitt's Influence

Tarantino entrusted Fincher with the directorial reins, having decided against helming the project himself. Tarantino had considered this film as a potential successor to his 2019 success but ultimately chose not to have a sequel mark his tenth, and possibly final, cinematic endeavor. Brad Pitt, who has collaborated with Fincher on notable films such as “Se7en,” “Fight Club,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” played a role in bringing Fincher aboard the production.

Navigating Creative Interests: The Collaborative Adaptation Process

Fincher also discussed the intricate process of adapting Tarantino’s screenplay while carefully balancing the creative perspectives of both the writer and the lead actor. He described the challenge as finding the intersection of Brad Pitt’s desires, his own creative inclinations, and Tarantino’s original vision. The collaborative effort aimed to align their respective focuses for the project.

Evolution of Booth's Narrative: From Friendship to Crime Fiction in 1977

Set in 1977, eight years after the events of “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” the new film portrays Booth's life as a Hollywood fixer. While the previous film primarily explored Booth’s camaraderie with the declining television star Rick Dalton, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, this sequel draws significant inspiration from crime fiction, notably the works of novelist Elmore Leonard. Leonard's novel “Rum Punch” famously served as the source material for Tarantino’s 1997 film “Jackie Brown.”

Tarantino's Vision: A Departure from 'Hangout' Cinema to Gritty Crime Story

Tarantino clarified to Empire that he does not perceive the new film as a “hangout movie.” He explained that “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood” fit that description, despite its looming tension from the Manson murders. He emphasized that the script for “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth” is distinct, aiming for the feel of an Elmore Leonard crime paperback. This shift signifies a move towards a narrative driven by crime story elements rather than leisurely character interactions.

Brad Pitt's Return and the Film's Release Strategy

This project marks Brad Pitt’s return to the character that secured him the Academy Award for best supporting actor in 2020. “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” which also featured Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie, garnered 10 Oscar nominations, including for best picture and best director. “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth” is scheduled for an exclusive two-week global IMAX release starting November 25, before its premiere on Netflix on December 23.