Summary
Highlights
Merge introduces Dirty Tommy, who is known for his complicated feelings towards Quentin Tarantino's films. They begin by discussing 'Reservoir Dogs', Tarantino's first film, which Tommy still holds in high regard, calling it an 'uncalculable' pleasure to rewatch. They then move on to 'Pulp Fiction', acknowledging its 4K release and star-studded cast. Tommy expresses a shift in his appreciation for 'Pulp Fiction' over time, despite its initial impact and Palme d'Or win.
Dirty Tommy elaborates on his changing opinion of 'Pulp Fiction'. He recalls his semi-disappointment upon first viewing, expecting something with the intensity of 'Reservoir Dogs'. He admires Tarantino's ability to direct actors and revive careers (like Travolta's), but he criticizes the film's mainstream popularity and the appropriation of its soundtrack. He feels Tarantino democratized a unique cinematic style that was once for a 'closed circle' of film enthusiasts, leading to a sense of disconnect for him.
The discussion shifts to 'Jackie Brown'. Merge highlights its unique aspects, such as being Tarantino's only non-scope film and its incredible soundtrack. Tommy prefers 'Jackie Brown' over 'Pulp Fiction', noting its structured story, emotional depth, and genuine love story. While acknowledging its blaxploitation homage, Tommy feels it transcends the genre, viewing it as a success despite its mixed box office performance compared to 'Pulp Fiction'.
The conversation moves to 'Kill Bill Vol. 1' and 'Vol. 2'. Merge, a fan of Hong Kong and Kun Fu films, appreciates Tarantino's homage to Asian cinema. Tommy, however, expresses a significant issue with 'Kill Bill': he believes Tarantino lied about not being influenced by François Truffaut's 'The Bride Wore Black', citing striking similarities. Despite this, Tommy enjoys the film's over-the-top action and praises the second volume for its more reflective and masterfully directed scenes, particularly the flashback involving Gordon Liu.
The hosts discuss 'Death Proof', Tarantino's tribute to stuntmen. Merge appreciates the film's final car chase for its authenticity and groundbreaking stunts. Tommy, however, finds the film's dialogue and pacing problematic, saying he can only rewatch it for the last 20 minutes. They then tackle 'Inglourious Basterds', which Tommy considers his least favorite Tarantino film. He praises the intense opening scene with Christoph Waltz but feels the film quickly loses its momentum and authenticity, particularly criticizing the performances of French actors and Brad Pitt's perceived overacting.
The conversation turns to 'Django Unchained'. Merge notes Tarantino's continued exploration of the Western genre. Tommy initially liked the film but grew to dislike it over time, primarily due to its form. While he commends the acting performances, especially Samuel L. Jackson and Leonardo DiCaprio, he criticizes the film's visual composition, finding the sets and landscapes empty compared to classic Westerns by Sergio Leone. He feels Tarantino fails to evoke the same sense of authenticity in the Western setting.
Merge expresses his strong admiration for 'The Hateful Eight', calling it one of his favorite Tarantino films and praising its resemblance to 'Reservoir Dogs' in terms of intensity, dialogue, and casting. Tommy, however, views it as an example of Tarantino's self-indulgence. He feels Tarantino, aware of his skill in crafting dialogue-heavy tension, drags out scenes unnecessarily, leading to a sense of self-contemplation rather than viewer engagement. He attributes this shift to Tarantino's success after 'Pulp Fiction'.
The discussion moves to 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'. Both hosts express their dislike for the film, with Tommy saying it made him re-evaluate his appreciation for 'Pulp Fiction' positively. Merge finds the film's handling of the Sharon Tate murders problematic and lacking in tension, while Tommy agrees, calling it exploitative. They both appreciate the film's exploration of moviemaking but find the overall narrative long and unengaging, especially critiquing the character of Brad Pitt.
The conversation shifts to Tarantino's screenwriting, particularly for 'True Romance' and 'From Dusk Till Dawn', which Tommy holds in high regard for their effective storytelling. They touch upon the upcoming Netflix project 'The New Adventures of Cliff Booth', written by Tarantino but directed by David Fincher, expressing curiosity about the clash of directorial styles. They also discuss Tarantino's dissatisfaction with the film adaptation of his 'Natural Born Killers' screenplay, highlighting his strength as a writer.
Dirty Tommy gives a rapid-fire ranking of Tarantino's films. He discards 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', 'Death Proof', and 'Inglourious Basterds'. He keeps 'Django Unchained', 'Kill Bill' (both volumes), 'Jackie Brown', and, with some hesitation, 'Pulp Fiction'. He re-affirms 'Reservoir Dogs' as his absolute favorite. The hosts conclude by inviting viewers to share their own rankings in the comments.