𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘: “Navigate Your Way: A Beginner's Guide To Quentin Tarantino” by Robin Scott T. Borja

Published by: Marino Peralta

Date Published: October 9, 2023

Time Published: 2:20 pm

Many great and talented directors had emerged from the 90’s, whether it be Paul Thomas Anderson or Spike Jonze, but nothing beats the impact of Quentin Tarantino—who emerged as a video store clerk to world-famous director. 

With his one-of-a kind approach to cinema, Tarantino has garnered multiple accolades from various organizations, such as The Academy, The Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and many more [1]. One of the most celebrated directors and screenwriters to emerge from the 90’s, known for his razor-sharp dialogue and endless film homages, is set to release his final film in 2024. Here is a quick and short guide to some of his must-watch films.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵... 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝘂𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

A member of an elite assassin group decides to quit violence, start a new life, and settle down. One day, jealous ex-lover and ex-boss Bill shows up on her wedding day, shoots up the chapel, puts a bullet through her head that puts her in a coma– wakes up four years later, and plots her vengeance.

An action, comedy, western, thriller, and martial arts epic split into two movies that depicts “the deadliest woman in the world”’s mission for vengeance and revenge. Riddled with Tarantino's signature film buff homages, referencing a handful of movies such as Lady Snowblood, Game Of Death, and Made in U.S.A, it gives the viewer a déjà vu experience. The movie gets entry-point status due to its versatility, genre-bending elements, and eye-catching cinematography.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝘂𝗺 𝗢𝗽𝘂𝘀… 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗽 𝗙𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

A burger-loving hitman, his philosophical partner, a drug-addled gangster’s moll, and a washed-up boxer converge in this sprawling, comedic crime caper. [2] One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, inspired by 90’s cliché gangster movies, Tarantino turns the common into the special. Pulp Fiction is a long, winding trip divided into out-of-sequence episodic stories that give you nothing but a thirst for meaning.

Regarded as one of the best films of all time, Pulp Fiction set a high standard for cinema with its unconventional storytelling, elite scriptwriting, and top-notch cinematography. With his sophomore film, Tarantino showcases his artistic style of violence and decorates it with some of the punchiest dialogues ever written, making the movie one of the most quotable films known to man. With widespread acclaim, Pulp Fiction garnered awards such as Cannes’ Palme d’Or, The Academy, and The Golden Globes’ Best Screenplay.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗴… 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳

Stuntman and part-time serial killer who picks up oblivious women with his “death proof” car and gives them the deadliest ride of their short lived lives. Being Tarantino’s third film with female leads, replenishes the theme and turns it into female solidarity. Quentin Tarantino blends 70’s muscle car films and slasher films perfectly and still maintains that signature Tarantino touch.

Inspired by 70s exploitation movies, Death Proof was a love letter to 70s cinemas with its cheesy yet fun approach to turning what was once known as low-quality into good. The film may be one of Tarantino's least praised works but still gives what it’s supposed to give, which is the style of the 70s B-movie scenes.

Three decades into his career and still maintaining a cult following. With commercial and critical success, it’s no mystery that Quentin Tarantino is one of the world’s most renowned directors. Making his mark with his films that engrave themselves into viewers’ minds and lives. For what cinema lacks, Tarantino makes up.

REFERENCES:

[1] IMDb. (n.d.). Quentin Tarantino - Awards. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000233/awards/

[2]Letterboxd. (2012). Pulp Fiction. https://letterboxd.com/film/pulp-fiction/