No, this article was neither written nor directed by Quentin Tarantino. But this title suits the article well, because today we’re going to talk about one of the greatest American filmmakers and recommend a few of his movies.
Quentin Tarantino started becoming popular in the 90s with films that were unusual and sinister. What really characterizes his films is the non-linear storylines, the dark humour, the violence that sometimes looks like a kind of art, the music, the concept of chapters (in some cases) and the extended dialogues. If you have watched a Tarantino film, you know what I’m talking about.
Some of the most known Tarantino films are:
(The order of the movies is not hierarchical).
- Kill Bill V.I (2003)
Beatrix Kiddo was a well-trained assassin and a member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, led by her lover Bill. When she realized she was pregnant with Bill’s child, she decided to leave her past behind. However, on the day of her wedding, she was betrayed and almost killed by her squad. Four years later, she wakes up from a coma and discovers her baby is gone. After getting herself back on track, she seeks vengeance on her former team. In the first movie, Kiddo faces Vernita Green, who has now settled and lives a peaceful life and O-Ren Ishii.
- Kill Bill Vol. II (2004)
Kiddo continues seeking revenge on Kill Bill Vol.2. At first, she finds his younger brother Budd and Elle Driver, the only survivors left from the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (the other members were tracked down in the first movie). Now that there are no other obstacles in her way, she finally finds her former lover and ultimate traitor, who ordered her very execution. But something happens and everything changes.
- The Hateful 8 (2015)
The story takes place several years after the Civil War in Wyoming. Bounty hunter John Ruth and his fugitive Daisy Domergue who is accused of murder, go to the town of Red Rock so Domergue is brought to justice. On their way and with a snowstorm approaching, they come across another bounty hunter and a man who claims that is the soon-to-be appointed sheriff of Red Rock. The four travellers seek shelter in Minnie’s Haberdashery. However, Minnie is not there. Instead, they encounter four more suspicious strangers who they have to withstand until the end of the storm.
- Django Unchained (2012)
In 1858, a bounty hunter named King Shultz buys a slave named Django, because he needs him to find some men he was looking for. After finding them, he starts looking for his wife Broomhilda, who was sold separately. King Shultz offers his help if Django agrees to be his partner. When they find out Broomhilda’s whereabouts, they come up with a plan to set her free.
- Inglorious Basterds (2009)
The story is set in Nazi-occupied France. After witnessing the slaughter of her family, a young Jewish girl by the name of Shosanna Dreyfus barely escaped. Several years later, she starts planning her revenge when she comes across the German War hero Frederick Zoller. The latter arranges a movie premiere in the theatre Shosanna now runs and the event catches the attention of the “Inglorious Basterds”, a group of Jewish-American guerilla soldiers led by Also Raine. Both Shosanna’s and Reine’s plans are set in motion at the same time and lead to a dramatic turn of events.
- Jackie Brown (1997)
Jackie Brown is a flight attendant who smuggles money from Mexico to Los Angeles for the arms dealer Ordell Robbie. When she is caught by the cops with 10,000 dollars and cocaine in her purse, she agrees to help them catch Ordell Robbie in exchange for her freedom. In the meantime, Robbie tries to have her eliminated.
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Six criminals are hired by a crime boss named Joe Cabot, to carry out a diamond robbery. They are given fake names so they can’t get too close to each other and just focus on the job instead. When they are sure that the robbery is going to be a success, the cops show up and two of the members are killed. When the remaining people assemble, they begin to suspect that there is an undercover cop among them.
- Once Upon A Time in Hollywood (2019)
The latest work of Tarantino sets in Hollywood in 1969, a period of change, and follows Rick Dalton who was once a successful actor and his stunt double and friend from long ago Cliff Booth. Dalton still fights for his career and lives a relatively luxurious life even though he has made a few bad choices over the years. Dalton, whose career is long over, seeks a reason for existence. The story of those two and some others mark the end of Hollywood’s golden age.
- Death Proof (2007)
The story follows stuntman Mike who is a psychopath and likes to kill young women in his stunt car. One day he comes across three young girls and decides that they are the perfect victims. However, he is in for a surprise, as he has no idea how tough these three young girls are. The girls manage to escape the attack but decide that that’s not enough. Stuntman Mike has to learn his lesson.
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
Last but, by no means least, Tarantino’s most famous “Pulp Fiction”, a characteristic film of pop culture with memorable dialogues and complex continuity. Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega are hitmen working for Marcellus Wallace and are sent to retrieve a mysterious suitcase for their boss. Later, Vincent has also to entertain Mrs. Wallace while his boss is away. Pumpkin and Honey Bunny are two thieves who, while dining at a coffee shop decide to rob it. Lastly, Butch Coolidge, is a prizefighter who ends up accidentally killing his opponent and tries to get out of town, but not before getting his father’s golden watch. These four stories are being intertwined in a non-linear, unique way.
So now that the list is there, let’s discuss.
Why not put together Kill Bill Vol.1 and 2? Well, from my humble (I’m definitely not a film expert) POV, the movies are quite different even though they share the same storyline. The first movie is revenge-based, violent and has a faster rhythm. Kiddo’s thirst for revenge is what makes her stand on her feet again. On the other hand, the second is slower and more methodical. The Bride is not that violent, she shows more emotion. But that’s how I see it.
My second comment is about Pulp Fiction. There are controversial opinions surrounding the movie. Some say that it’s a true modern classic and others that it’s overestimated. It is true that Pulp fiction gained so much recognition because of the memorable performances, the cast (Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Ving Rhames, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer etc.), the music, and the non-linearity. The movie has been influential in American filmmaking and it is definitely worth watching.
About personal preferences, I may say that “The Hateful 8”, “Inglorious Basterds”, “Django Unchained” and “Kill Bill” (both V.I and V.II) are among my top 20 favourite movies.
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