Mikey Madison in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Star’s Breakout Moment
Hollywood has always been a place where new talents rise and shine, and in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), actress Mikey Madison had a moment that made audiences sit up and take notice. Playing the role of Susan Atkins, also known as “Sadie,” Madison delivered a chilling yet unforgettable performance that cemented her as an actress to watch. Though she had already built a strong foundation in acting, her role in Tarantino’s film catapulted her into the mainstream and showcased her ability to embody intense and complex characters.
Who is Mikey Madison?
Before discussing her role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, it’s important to understand who Mikey Madison is and how she found her way into the film industry. Born in Los Angeles, California, Madison originally had aspirations outside of Hollywood. In fact, she initially considered a career in professional horse riding before ultimately finding her passion in acting.
Her breakthrough came in the television series Better Things (2016–2022), where she played Max, the eldest daughter of Pamela Adlon’s character. The show was well-received, and Madison’s portrayal of a teenager navigating the complexities of life and family dynamics earned her widespread recognition. Her ability to convey raw emotions and her naturalistic acting style made her stand out in a crowded industry.
Landing a Role in Tarantino’s Film
Quentin Tarantino is known for assembling eclectic and talented casts for his films, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was no different. Featuring a stellar lineup including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film also introduced a new wave of talent. Mikey Madison’s casting as Susan Atkins, a member of the notorious Manson Family, was a defining moment in her career.
In an interview, Madison revealed how surreal it was to be part of a Tarantino film. Given that Tarantino is known for his meticulous casting process, securing a role in one of his movies is no small feat. Madison’s ability to tap into dark, unpredictable energy made her a perfect choice for the role of “Sadie.”
The Role of Susan Atkins (Sadie)
Susan Atkins was one of Charles Manson’s most infamous followers, and Mikey Madison had the daunting task of portraying her. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Tarantino takes creative liberties with history, rewriting events in a way that diverges from real-life tragedies. In the film’s climactic ending, Madison’s character, alongside other Manson Family members, is sent to kill the people inside 10050 Cielo Drive, but instead, they face unexpected resistance from Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) and Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio).
One of the most memorable scenes featuring Madison is when her character meets a gruesome and darkly comedic end during the film’s final confrontation. After a chaotic and brutal sequence, she is set ablaze by Rick Dalton’s flamethrower, a moment that left audiences stunned. Madison played her role with such commitment and ferocity that her performance became one of the film’s highlights.
Why Her Performance Stood Out
Mikey Madison’s portrayal of Sadie was both unsettling and captivating. While the real Susan Atkins was a chilling figure in history, Madison gave her character an unpredictable, almost manic energy that made her scenes especially gripping. Her ability to shift between moments of eerie calm and explosive violence demonstrated her impressive range as an actress.
The film’s climax demanded a lot from Madison physically and emotionally. Playing a deranged, murderous cult member isn’t an easy task, yet she managed to make the character memorable without overacting. Her wide-eyed intensity and unhinged delivery fit seamlessly within Tarantino’s over-the-top style, making her a standout in a film filled with powerhouse performances.
1. Ethnicity and Cultural Background
- Explore Mikey Madison’s and Demi Moore’s ethnic roots: Dive into their family heritage, cultural influences, and how their ethnic backgrounds have shaped their careers. For Mikey Madison, discuss her Jewish heritage and how it may have influenced her work and public persona. For Demi Moore, you could explore her Native American ancestry and how it might have impacted her identity.
- Impact on Hollywood representation: Discuss how both actresses have contributed to increasing diversity and representation in Hollywood, and how their ethnic backgrounds may have influenced the roles they choose or have been cast in.
2. Oscar Nominations and Recognitions
- Demystifying the Oscar journey: Cover the key moments in both actresses’ careers that led to Oscar recognition. For Mikey Madison, discuss her rising roles in films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and how her acting has been received by critics. For Demi Moore, highlight her past nominations and why she has yet to win an Oscar despite being considered a prominent figure.
- Their path to potential wins: Analyze the trajectory of their careers and the possibility of future nominations. This could include discussions on upcoming roles, Oscar buzz, and how their performances may shape their chances of winning in future years.
3. Achievements and Milestones in Their Careers
- Celebrating their career highs: Highlight the standout achievements in both actresses’ careers, including critical acclaim, awards, and iconic roles. For Mikey Madison, discuss her breakout roles, particularly in Better Things and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. For Demi Moore, explore her legendary roles, significant box office successes, and how she has evolved as an actress and public figure.
- Personal and professional milestones: Delve into their personal growth, charitable work, and other accomplishments outside of acting, like producing or directing. This could show how they’ve diversified their careers and made lasting impacts both on and off the screen.
Impact on Her Career
After Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Mikey Madison continued to build her career with a focus on roles that showcased her ability to convey intense emotions. Her performance in the film opened doors for her, leading to opportunities in major projects such as Scream (2022), where she played Amber Freeman, another dark and intense character.
Her ability to bring complexity and depth to unsettling roles has made her a sought-after actress in psychological thrillers and horror films. Directors and producers have recognized her talent for portraying characters with an eerie and unpredictable edge, a quality that sets her apart in Hollywood.
Why Mikey Madison is One to Watch
Hollywood is filled with rising stars, but Mikey Madison has carved a niche for herself with her ability to take on challenging roles that require both emotional depth and physical commitment. While Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a major stepping stone in her career, it is clear that she has the potential for an even brighter future.
She possesses the rare talent of making dark and twisted characters feel real, a skill that not all actors can master. Whether she continues to take on roles in horror and thriller genres or expands into more dramatic or even comedic roles, there is no doubt that Madison is an actress worth following.
Mikey Madison’s role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood may not have been the largest in terms of screen time, but it was undeniably impactful. Playing a Manson Family member in a Tarantino film is no small task, yet Madison handled it with skill and dedication. Her performance was terrifying, intense, and, in true Tarantino fashion, darkly entertaining.
With her growing filmography and ability to leave a lasting impression on audiences, Mikey Madison is on her way to establishing herself as a formidable talent in Hollywood. If Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was her breakout moment, the future looks incredibly bright for this rising star.