Source: History of Cinema
We're breaking up the blog a bit today by publishing a post that isn't based on the 52 week challenge. I am still making my way through that yet I really didn't anticipate how long that would take to manage around life and all that stuff but I have planned on doing another ranking for a while and settled on a Tarantino ranking. If I was including the films he has produced, the list may look different with 'True Romance' winning the top spot as I do feel it is one of the greatest films ever written and made - perhaps that is a blog for another time, who knows.
Moving on, here is my subjective ranking of the films he has directed and as always, I am interested in other peoples opinions and how you would rank them so feel free to let me know.
Additionally, a bunch of new blogs will be posted soon as I have compiled quite the list in my book, I just need to get them from page to screen and shall be doing that over the next few weeks. I hope my absence period hasn't left anyone too disinterested in any upcoming posts, I promise more are on the way!
10. The Hateful Eight
Source: The Weinstein Company
Bottom of the list for me has to be 'The Hateful Eight.' Whilst the cast are brilliant and I love the score by Ennio Morricone, it wasn't as attention grabbing for me like Tarantino's other work. I do understand that with any Tarantino film is multiple references and homages to other films and pieces of the same genre and I know shows such as 'Bonanza' influenced this film, but it just wasn't for me. In saying that, I have not seen this film in a while and perhaps my judgement lies slightly to that but I just didn't feel it was as strong as his other bodies of work.
9. Death Proof
Source: Troublemaker Studios
I know what people have to say about this film but I love it. In a way, it's so ridiculous it's brilliant and if it wasn't for how good Tarantino's other films are, it would be ranked much much higher. Acting as one part to the joint double feature of 'Grindhouse' with the film 'Planet Terror' by Robert Rodriguez, at first glance particularly in the opening sequence of the film, it can be seen as incredibly sexist. However, I feel it comments on the sexualisation of women more than anything else, whilst proving how effortlessly cool and powerful women can be - riding on the hoods of cars that are speeding down the road and attacking a man that horrifically objectifies them. Tarantino is no stranger to using gore within his work and this film is certainly no different with some of the most gruesome fight sequences I have ever seen. For those who aren't aware, the lead in the film is none other than Zoe Bell who was Uma Thurman's stunt double for 'Kill Bill' and she completed her own stunts on the set of this film too whilst playing a stunt performer character; something that is evidently not too far from home for Bell to portray. Since then, she has also made appearances in Tarantino's other work such as 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.'
For those curious to read more about the presentation of women in this film and Tarantino's other work, please check out this article * which points out some key issues in addition to positive depictions of women in Tarantino's work.
* '[In Tarantino's] films, female revenge couldn't be more deserved.'
8. Kill Bill: Volume 2
Source: Miramax
I would be ranking this film higher too if it wasn't for process by elimination but I do feel it is one of the strongest sequels to any film. The scene let's say for those who haven't seen, 'set underground,' is one of the most sress-inducing sequences to watch but is executed so perfectly and the emotional depth this film holds in comparison to the first is beautiful to see. The story is just as engaging as the first and Tarantino manages to produce fresh new fight sequences, surprising for those who may feel they have seen it all in Vol. 1.
7. Inglorious Basterds
Source: The Weinstein Company
I do really enjoy this film particularly due to Tarantino's subversion of actual historical events, similar to what he does in 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.' Many have issues with this, yet as Tarantino has mentioned he lets the characters lead the story and hence alters the actual events that took place within history. After all, the films are forms of entertainment and there are no rules with telling stories. This piece of filmmaking reclaims the power of those who were horrifically treated in history and the film itself has some amazing dialogue which builds tension throughout the film, breaks moments of suspense with humour and engages the audience in the action sequences of the films even further - a classic Tarantino trademark.
6. Django Unchained
Source: Columbia Pictures
Jamie Foxx is incredible in this film. His performance is beautiful and the redemption tale he embarks on is something that once again links back to 'Inglorious Basterds' and seeking revenge on those who have caused significant harm to a mass population. In this film Django seeks revenge due to the trauma endured and by those around him from the awful act of slavery in the 19th Century. As Foxx mentions, 'the film is supposed to make you angry,' and Tarantino really increases the action until the conclusion of the film as Django seeks his revenge.
The vibrancy of this film is something I feel cannot go unmentioned and the shots are stunning; I have linked a video below which details some of the gorgeous shots taken by Robert Richardson for reference. I also cannot forget to mention Christoph Waltz's performance in this film too as I do feel as an actor he is such an incredible shape shifter into these various roles and the contrast to his performance in 'Inglorious Basterds' really does make you forget it's the same genius behind both interpretations. Additionally, Kerry Washington's incredible performance in this film is breathtaking.
Shots in Django Unchained
5. Jackie Brown
Source: Miramax
Pam Grier, Pam Grier, PAM GRIER. She's incredible. Her style, her charisma, her perfection, her everything is incredible in this film and it's glorious. I feel this film is so underrated and it's just magic. The way the story unravels and unfolds, like Tarantino's other work is so unique and it is tied together so perfectly by the performances from actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro and Robert Forster and the brilliant soundtrack. If you haven't seen, please watch it's amazing.
4. Reservoir Dogs
Source: Artisan Entertainment
You can't beat a classic Tarantino film and 'Reservoir Dogs' is a masterpiece. For a dialogue heavy film, Tarantino finds a way to captivate the audience through the 'drip feed' reveal of what actually occurred during the robbery that takes place before the film is set. The more the film progresses, the more is revealed and maintains the captivation of those watching until the final conclusion of the infamous ear-slicing scene. It explores the dynamics of the relationships within the film effortlessly and really highlights what comes to light during times of stress.
As discussed within 'Down and Dirty Pictures,' the film is incredibly personal to Tarantino and aspects of his own character and personality are reflected in the fragmented characters of those involved in the bank robbery we never see. Without elaborating too far and extending this blog longer than it needs to be, Tarantino's rise to making 'Reservoir Dogs' was one of great sacrifice, hard work and in some cases betrayal to those who helped him along the way. 'Tarantino...is at once a Mr. Orange, who betrays them, and Mr. White, the veteran thief who loves him anyway and forgives him.' The film 'expresses Tarantino's complex feelings of guilt towards his friends for first exploiting then leaving them behind, along with his hunger for absolution by a father figure he never had, but found in Keitel, who plays Mr. White as well as godfathering the film.' The film truly revolutionised the independent film industry and was crucial in putting Tarantino on the map.
I would encourage those reading to check out the book 'Down and Dirty Pictures,' the sequel to the original book 'Easy Riders, Raging Bulls' by Peter Biskind. It explores the emergence of the independent film industry in the 1990s and delves into the influence of Miramax during this period too. Due to being written in the early 2000s, it offers a look into the impressions many had on Harvey Weinstein at the time, long before the MeToo revelations of recent years and how even in those times, Weinstein could be difficult to work with within the time when his predatory behaviour seemed to remain hush hush. I have mentioned the original book before within my blog on 'Raging Bull' which focuses on the 1960-80s film industry, yet collectively they're great reads for anyone wanting to take a deeper look into the film industry across those decades.
3. Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Source: Miramax
Bad ass. It's always the first phrase that comes to mind when I think of this film. I'm aware that may be cheesy and silly to say but the film is just one pure unadulterated bad ass scene after another from Uma Thurman and it's fantastic. I really enjoy Tarantino's take on the classic Samurai films of Japanese cinema and as embarrassed as I am to say it, I am yet to delve into the world of the Japanese filmmaking that influenced this film. I have seen clips of films Tarantino used for reference when making 'Kill Bill,' and his passion for those films really do shine through. Tarantino. Is. A. Cinephile. It shines through all his work and this film is no different. The sequences in this film are insane and the raw emotion Thurman brings to her character within this film is breathtaking, hitting you hard in the chest when you see the lengths she will go to when using revenge as her driving force; similar to that held by Django and others within Tarantino's work.
2. Pulp Fiction
Source: Miramax
Heralded as Tarantino's greatest film, it was the first one I ever watched and I was blown away. I remember watching feeling like it was the first time I was officially watching an adult film with adult themes and adult humour, and I was completely amazed. The minute it was over I downloaded the soundtrack, I ordered a t shirt and I was forever a Tarantino fan. The goosebumps still appear every time I hear that opening riff in 'Misirlou' by Dick Dale.
I watched the film way before turning 18, so not the 'guideline age' to see the film and I do feel some of my love came from feeling like I'd joined this exclusive club of the films adults get to watch and finally experience the true craft of how good films can be. The structure of the film alone was one thing that shocked me as I never ever predicted it to come round full circle and there were so many moments whether from the performance of Thurman or Travolta or Jackson, Willis and Roth, that were so brilliantly witty and really captured the essence of Tarantino's passion for film. It was like I was watching five or six films rolled into one and for that reason, it sits at two on my ranking. Potentially a basic opinion to hold, I don't care because it's amazing.
1. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
Source: Columbia Pictures
I love everything about this film. The style is immaculate, the film references are glorious, and the costumes and soundtrack are all pure perfection. It was tough for me to choose between this and 'Pulp Fiction' due to the sentimental connection I hold to 'Pulp Fiction,' yet I can't count the number of times I've seen this and I never get bored of it. The tale is simple yet the twist at the end, like that of 'Inglorious Basterds' is produced magically and the suspense up until the final act of conflict is incredible. The moment Sharon Tate is seen pregnant, no matter if you are watching with those who have seen before, you can feel the tension when we begin to anticipate what is about to happen next. Tarantino creates this split tension which is unlike anything I've seen or felt, leaving those who have watched before excited to see the crazy scene they know is about to unfold, whilst at the same time offering uncomfortable tension for those who are aware of the death of Sharon Tate and the role the Manson family plays in that tragic event. It divides the room yet connects them in the same moment of anticipation and it's enigmatic.
The humour throughout the film is golden and the characters are so densely crafted that Tarantino really builds a relationship between you as the viewer and them within the film as the characters deal with their conflicts. For Rick its evidently his declining career and the bruise of his male ego, for Cliff its his position as a stunt performer in this ever changing industry that may leave you cooped up in a bed on a hippie commune, or for Sharon who begins to consider how her life could take a new direction with the new roles she is pursuing and the new relationships she is forming with those around her. The dynamic between Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt too is just perfect and the pair bounce of each other so well.
It's such a triumph of a film and I was lucky enough to attend an evening where Tarantino read the companion book to this film - an homage to the old novella's that accompanied films from the same period, and hear what he had to say about the characters even further. It was remarkable and once again for those interested, please check the book out. I feel like i keep repeating the phrase 'check this book out' but there are so many great reads linked to Tarantino to delve into! The plot is completely different and instead of reiterating the story back, adds depth to the characters shown in the film and explores their lives further through new tales and stories - such as what really happened to Cliff on the boat with his ex-wife.
Before concluding, I want to leave one extra book recommendation to look into which is the Quentin Tarantino book written by Ian Nathan; filled with details about all his films and is a must-have for any fan of his work. It also looks pretty cool sitting on your bookshelf or coffee table so that's always a plus.
Like the Wes Anderson ranking, I thought I would leave a little playlist link to those wanting to live vicariously through Tarantino's world and so please find that attached here.
Not all of Tarantino's films are available to stream for free but the ones that are on streaming platforms can be found below:
Death Proof - Virgin TV Go
Kill Bill: Volume 2 - Sky Go, Now TV, Virgin TV Go
Inglorious Basterds - Netflix, Virgin TV Go
Django Unchained - Netflix, Sky Go, Now TV, Virgin TV Go
Jackie Brown -Netflix, Paramount + , Sky Go, Now TV, Virgin TV Go
Reservoir Dogs - Prime Video
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 - Netflix
Pulp Fiction - Paramount +
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood -Virgin TV Go
Quentin Tarantino Fun Facts:
Tarantino has said that he writes two types of script: “Movie Movie” and “Realer than Real World”. He suggests that those who reside within the “Realer than Real World” ‘universe’ would want to watch those in the “Movie Movie” ‘universe’. He has suggested that those films under the “Movie Movie” genre are unrealistic, while the likes of 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Reservoir Dogs' can be categorised under “Realer than Real World”.
Tarantino was thanked in 'Nirvana’s' 'In Utero,' though his name was spelt differently. In turn, Tarantino thanked 'Nirvana' on the 'Pulp Fiction' soundtrack and included ‘RIP Kurt’.
The suit bought in 'Jackie Brown' is the same as the one worn by Mia Wallace in 'Pulp Fiction.'
A paramedic was kept on the set of 'Reservoir Dogs' to ensure that the amount and consistency of 'Mr Orange’s' blood loss was realistic.
With the exception of 'Death Proof,' all of his films feature actors from Martin Scorsese’s 'Mean Streets.'
Over 450 gallons on fake blood were used in the two 'Kill Bill' films.
The actual film of 'Death Proof' was physically scratched to achieve a ‘dirty’ aesthetic.
His friend Robert Rodriguez scored the soundtrack for 'Kill Bill' for $1. In return, Tarantino directed a scene in Rodriguez’s film 'Sin City' for the same fee.
He has claimed he likes to leave 20% of the movie ‘unseen’ (for example, not showing you what is in the suitcase in 'Pulp Fiction') 'so the movie is really yours.'
He regularly drives around his home town of Malibu in the ‘Pussy Wagon’ from 'Kill Bill.'
*Facts sourced from Vue article.
My Favourite Scenes
The Hateful Eight
Death Proof
Kill Bill: Volume 2
Inglorious Basterds
Django Unchained
Jackie Brown
Reservoir Dogs
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Pulp Fiction
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood