Notes on Bruce Lee's Depiction in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Introduction

• Controversy over Bruce Lee's portrayal in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
• Shannon Lee Keasler, Bruce Lee's daughter, criticizes Tarantino's depiction.

Bruce Lee's Legacy

• Iconic martial artist who revolutionized martial arts in the 1960s.
• Lee's influence persists 50 years after his passing.
• Bruce Lee faced misconceptions and stereotypes in Hollywood.

Tarantino's Controversial Scene

• Scene involves a fight between Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) and Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).
• Contains Lee bragging about incapacitating Muhammad Ali leading to a confrontation.
• Backlash from fans and family over Lee's humiliation.

Criticism of Tarantino's Research

• Tarantino claims his portrayal is based on research, but findings are flawed.
• Misrepresentation of Bruce Lee's attitude towards stuntmen.
  • Claims of arrogance and disrespect are unfounded according to multiple sources.
  • Tarantino's character Cliff Booth is loosely based on real-life stuntmen, leading to inaccuracies in representation.

Analysis of the Fight Scene

• Initial intention for Bruce Lee to lose the fight, later adjusted to a draw.
• Fight serves to highlight Cliff Booth's character rather than accurately depict Lee's prowess.
  • Cliff Booth's character is blacklisted due to the fight, affecting his career trajectory.

Shannon Lee's Response

• Criticism of Tarantino's narrative affecting public perception of Bruce Lee.
• Emphasizes that Bruce Lee was passionate, driven, and not generally arrogant.

Artistic Freedom vs. Historical Responsibility

• Importance of respectful representation in films involving real-life figures.
• Tarantino's portrayal seen as lacking genuine research and respect for Bruce Lee's legacy.

Additional Voices

• Donnie Yen's views on Lee's depiction as "cartoonish".
• Robert Alonzo, a stunt coordinator, expressed discomfort with the fight scene's choreography.

Conclusion

• Tarantino's portrayal of Bruce Lee is highly criticized and problematic.
• Shannon Lee suggests Tarantino should apologize or clarify his intentions regarding Bruce Lee's representation.
• Importance of holding filmmakers accountable for their portrayal of influential figures.

Further Discussion

• Encouragement to explore accurate representations of Bruce Lee's life and experiences.