Love him or loathe him, writer and director Quentin Tarantino has had a huge impact on the landscape of modern cinema. One of the most distinctive auteurs in the industry, his work is almost instantly recognisable through his razor-sharp scripts, excessive use of violence, and of course, extreme close-ups of manky feet. To mark the 30th anniversary of his feature-length directorial debut Reservoir Dogs, I’ve ranked my favourite five from his filmography…
5. Inglourious Basterds
Tarantino rewrote history with his war film Inglourious Basterds, introducing the actor Christoph Waltz to mainstream audiences with a chilling opening scene in a role that bagged him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Brad Pitt starred as Nazi hunter Aldo Raine alongside an ensemble cast that included Mélanie Laurent, Diane Kruger, and Michael Fassbender. In fitting QT fashion, the plot saw a cinema at the heart of a cunning plan to kill Adolf Hitler, and the skilful writing smartly weaved black comedy into an intense, emotionally charged WWII tale. Take note, Taika Waititi.
4. Jackie Brown
One of his more understated, underrated efforts, crime epic Jackie Brown stars Pam Grier in the titular role as a flight attendant who smuggles drugs for wicked dealer Ordell, superbly portrayed by regular QT collaborator Samuel L. Jackson. A homage to the blaxploitation films of the 1970s, it’s based on Elmore Leonard’s 1992 novel Rum Punch; unique for a Tarantino film as his screenplays are usually original rather than adapted. Despite being his cinematic take on someone else’s story, all his signature trademarks are very much present, just in a more subdued state.
3. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
A glorious love letter to the golden age of the movies, Tarantino reunited with Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio for his latest feature Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a period piece set in late 60s LA. The laidback plot follows a jaded actor and his controversial stunt double as they navigate the changes in the industry, but it also explores the rise of the notorious Manson family. The stories converge in a shocking final act, subverting expectations by rewriting history once again. The film has led to director branching out into other artistic mediums, writing his debut novel to expand upon the world of its characters, and a spin-off television series is in development too.
My full review: https://cinemaperspective.com/2019/08/28/film-review-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood/
2. Pulp Fiction
Perhaps his most iconic film to date, Pulp Fiction has become a touchstone of postmodern cinema. Constantly referenced and parodied, it has been integrated into global pop culture. Known for its non-linear structure, the LA crime flick starts in the middle and ends at the beginning, following three intersecting narratives. It marked a return to form for Grease and Saturday Night Fever star John Travolta, reviving his career after a dip in the 1980s. At the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, the film won the prestigious Palme d’Or award.
1. Reservoir Dogs
A heist film with no heist scenes, cult classic Reservoir Dogs is the filmmaker’s first, and for my money, his very best. When a group of gangsters are brought together for a job, they take on aliases to protect their identities and it all goes horribly wrong. From the tipping argument in the opening sequence at a diner, the brutal cop torture, and the Western-inspired shootout finale, this is all thriller and no filler Tarantino. Celebrating its 30th birthday, Lionsgate are releasing a limited edition 4K UHD & Blu Ray steelbook full of special features.
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Cinema Perspective 