The only other Quentin Tarantino film besides Reservoir Dogs that I have seen is Kill Bill. Let me just say that so far, old Q.T. has not impressed me. Explicit gore is not something I have ever enjoyed, or ever will. The viewer could definitely see a connection between these two Tarantino films: blood, blood and more blood. (Did I mention that both of these were fairly gory movies?) These two have a very obvious connection, but I believe they also have a few similarities that are not as stand out.
For instance, both films were influenced by Japanese action films. Kill Bill’s Japanese influence is a little more obvious since Uma Thurman uses a “ninja sword” as her weapon of destruction. While Reservoir Dogs has a smaller amount of the Japanese influence, it is still present in the scene where there are three different guns pointed at three different people—a killing triangle. Also, both films are presented in typical Tarantino, non-chronological style. Both films present main characters, whose purpose and history are not given until later on in the film. Both movies backtrack to define the character.
Another film that has somewhat of a Tarantino influence in it, is one that I saw for the first time this weekend, Seven Pounds. Seven Pounds actually starts with part of the conclusion of the entire film. (Don’t worry, I’m not going to give it away.) My friend and I spent half the movie confused, simply because we didn’t have the needed background on the characters to be able to decipher all of the dynamics between characters. As the movie progressed, more and more history and background was given on the main character, Tim Thomas (played by Will Smith), and we were slowly given understanding.
These non-chronological films are frustrating, but they do keep the viewer guessing and interested in the film. Personally, the frustration of not being able to figure out all the details was one of the only things that kept me interested in Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill. Also, in a world riddled with all different sorts of films ranging from artsy to chick flick type films, these films’ style of time arrangement allows them to stand out from the majority. It gives them the needed edge in booming film industry and allows them to be different.
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You should totally check out Memento if you haven't already. This idea of storytelling in which the timeline is at first confusing is really at the heart of the plot and meaning behind the movie. It is made by the same guy who has brought us the last two Batman movies if that helps encourage you.
ReplyDeleteBeyond some kind of dramatic irony Tarantino's non-linear storytelling serves to shock us with the way in which these cool (or wannabe) cool cats are so fragile. Do any other movies you can think of use this technique achieve a similar effect?