32 Of The Best Quentin Tarantino Side Characters

In my humble opinion, Quentin Tarantino has a knack for creating unforgettable characters, both leading and supporting. The list you’ve compiled showcases a diverse range of individuals, each adding their unique flavor to the movies they grace. From the charismatic Randy Miller (Kurt Russell) in “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” to the determined Trudi Frazer (Julia Butters), these characters not only enrich the narrative but also reflect the essence of Tarantino’s storytelling.

Quentin Tarantino is well-known for distinctive aspects in his filmmaking. His work often includes strong language, violence, unique soundtracks, and dialogue filled with pop culture references. He’s also exceptional at creating characters, not just main or supporting figures, but even minor ones who appear briefly or in the background. This feature is dedicated to appreciating those unique and memorable characters he has created.

“Who are the most notable secondary characters that Quentin Tarantino has introduced in movies like Reservoir Dogs and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood?” or “Which 32 side characters, created by Quentin Tarantino, have left an impression in his films Reservoir Dogs and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood?

Lawrence Tierney As Joe Cabot In Reservoir Dogs

In the movie “Reservoir Dogs,” there’s a moment when Tim Roth’s character, Freddy Newandyke, compares Lawrence Tierney’s Joe Cabot to the character The Thing from Fantastic Four, and it’s quite fitting. Despite only appearing in three scenes (the start, the finish, and a flashback midway through), the aura of Joe Cabot is so powerful, grand, and memorable that he seems as if he’s carved from orange stone.

Steven Wright As K-Billy DJ In Reservoir Dogs

Quentin Tarantino revolutionized movie soundtracks, especially in his film “Reservoir Dogs,” by using a jukebox style for music. A notable element of this was Steven Wright’s voice-only performance as the DJ for K-Billy’s Super Sounds Of The ‘70s, playing tracks such as “Little Green Bag” and “Stuck In The Middle With You.” Despite his monotonous tone, an unusual addition to the soundtrack, Wright’s casting was spot-on.

Harvey Keitel As Winston Wolfe In Pulp Fiction

“That’s thirty minutes away. I’ll be there in ten.” In a crisis, you always want to be working with a person who knows how to both move fast and keep their cool, and that’s Pulp Fiction’s Winston Wolfe in a nutshell. The practically magical fixer character makes clean business out of dirty work, and his swagger is captivating.

Christopher Walken As Captain Koons In Pulp Fiction

Reflecting on Christopher Walken’s remarkable career, it’s quite surprising that one of his most memorable roles is essentially a brief appearance in “Pulp Fiction,” where he spends just one scene addressing the camera directly. The dedication with which Captain Koons delivers the Coolidge family watch demonstrates his noble character instantly, but the way he narrates the story of the timepiece to young Butch leaves an indelible impression.

Frank Whaley As Brett In Pulp Fiction

It’s unclear what Brett and his companions intended for the enigmatic contents within Marcellus Wallace’s mysterious case. However, this intrigue adds depth to their characters, while simultaneously highlighting Brett’s struggle to maintain composure during questioning by Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Jules Winnfield.

Eric Stoltz As Lance As Brett In Pulp Fiction

Eric Stoltz’s character, Lance, might appear to be completely unreliable, but he proves crucial when Uma Thurman’s Mia Wallace is going through a drug overdose. He offers just the right amount of competence and ineptitude to keep the tense sequence involving John Travolta’s Vincent Vega engaging.

Dennis Hopper As Clifford Worley In True Romance

In most films, a cop faces an intense conflict when he learns his son has committed a crime, but the character of Clifford Worley, played by Dennis Hopper in True Romance, does something different. Instead of confronting his son (Christian Slater as Clarence) or his new wife (Patricia Arquette’s Alabama), he decides to assist them instead.

Brad Pitt As Floyd In True Romance

It’s interesting to note that the role of Dick Ritchie’s stoner roommate in True Romance was portrayed by Brad Pitt, who later became a big-name actor. However, Floyd stands out as an excellent supporting character on his own, so cluelessly high that he doesn’t realize he’s endangering his friend’s lives.

Christopher Walken As Vincenzo Coccotti In True Romance

In a simpler and more conversational manner: Dennis Hopper’s character Clifford Worley is as tough as they come, yet he deeply cares for his son. This tender emotion stands in stark contrast to Christopher Walken’s character Vincenzo Coccotti, who briefly appears in True Romance. However, with his chilling demeanor and menacing aura, Walken’s character significantly intensifies the movie, making it more suspenseful.

Val Kilmer As Elvis In True Romance

It’s quite surprising that the movie “True Romance” had Val Kilmer portray an unseen, fictional Elvis Presley. However, this choice adds to the film’s cleverness because it’s actually Elvis’ words that inspire Clarence to pursue his desired life.

Gary Oldman As Drexl Spivey In True Romance

In the narrative of “True Romance,” Drexl Spivey is an abhorrent individual and a definite blight upon society, yet he leaves a lasting impact in his brief appearances. This is Gary Oldman at the peak of his versatile acting skills.

Chris Tucker As Beaumont Livingston In Jackie Brown

In the movie “Jackie Brown,” Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Ordell Robbie, aspires to be a crime boss but resents anyone who might jeopardize his plans by speaking to the authorities… and Chris Tucker’s Beaumont Livingston serves as an excellent counterpart in this regard. His non-stop chatter shows him as a potential hazard – luckily for Ordell, he fails to grasp the menace that Livingston poses as an adversary.

Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr. As Winston In Jackie Brown

In Jackie Brown, Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr.’s character, Winston, is predominantly known for his imposing presence. Truly, it’s a powerful presence! He works alongside Robert Forster’s character, Max Cherry, and significantly boosts the muscle of their bail bondsman business.

Sonny Chiba As Hattori Hanzō In Kill Bill Vol. 1

In “Kill Bill Vol. 1”, Sonny Chiba’s character, Hattori Hanzō, is portrayed from two intriguing angles during his short appearance. On one side, he is a beleaguered restaurant owner who has had enough of his insolent employee (Kenji Ohba). The other side showcases him as a masterful swordsmith, skillfully creating the deadly weapon wielded by The Bride in her vengeful rampage.

Chiaki Kuriyama As Gogo Yubari In Kill Bill Vol. 1

Chiaki Kuriyama’s Gogo Yubari is remarkably intriguing in her contrast: her schoolgirl attire implies innocence, yet she embodies one of the most ruthless characters in Kill Bill, skillfully wielding a deadly custom flail with chilling effectiveness.

Michael Parks As Ranger Earl Mcgraw In Kill Bill Vol. 1

Ranger Earl McGraw, portrayed by Michael Parks, stands out with a unique veteran lawman charm in the opening scene of “Kill Bill Vol. 1”. Interestingly, this character serves as a significant link in Quentin Tarantino’s expansive cinematic universe, appearing not only in “Kill Bill” but also in “From Dusk Til Dawn”, a film penned by Tarantino, and both films of the dual-feature “Grindhouse”.

Daryl Hannah As Elle Driver In Kill Bill Vol. 1

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Daryl Hannah’s Elle Driver evolves from a captivating side character in “Kill Bill Vol. 1” to a powerfully impactful supporting role in “Kill Bill Vol. 2.” Her unique charm is undeniably one of Quentin Tarantino’s signature stylistic elements. The eyepatch alone is an iconic statement, but her nurse disguise takes it to another level. The way she enters the scene through a Brian De Palma-inspired split-screen sequence is a moment that remains etched in my memory.

Gordon Liu As Pai Mei In Kill Bill Vol. 2

In “Kill Bill Vol. 1,” Quentin Tarantino introduces Gordon Liu as the menacing Johnny Mo in a brutal scene known as House of Blue Leaves. However, it’s in “Kill Bill Vol. 2” where Liu’s acting talent truly shines, portraying Pai Mei – a character with wispy hair and an incredibly stern kung fu master who instructs Uma Thurman’s Beatrix Kiddo on her most lethal techniques.

Michael Parks As Esteban Vihaio In Kill Bill Vol. 2

In a different pace from its initial version, “Kill Bill Vol. 2” offers a more subdued atmosphere, but this change is effective due to characters like Michael Parks’ Esteban Vihaio. His scene adds an unforeseen richness to the world Quentin Tarantino has built and provides a compelling background for the film’s main villain, David Carradine.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead As Lee Montgomery In Death Proof

Is the character Lee Montgomery played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Death Proof intended to evoke feelings of pity or relief? She initially appears as a bit of a silly character, providing some comedic moments, but when she is left behind while Zoë Bell, Abernathy Ross (Rosario Dawson), and Kim Mathis (Tracie Thoms) embark on their fateful journey, it’s not clear if she has escaped danger or is destined to face her own unique brand of terror with Jonathan Loughran’s very unsettling character Jasper.

Michael Fassbender As Lieutenant Archie Hicox In Inglourious Basterds

As a film critic, I must admit that it’s quite captivating to witness a film aficionado like Michael Fassbender transition into a military hero – and the movie benefits from the timeless charm he brings to the character of Lieutenant Archie Hicox in “Inglourious Basterds.

Jacky Ido As Marcel In Inglourious Basterds

In the action-packed war film “Inglourious Basterds,” Jacky Ido’s character, Marcel, is often overlooked yet plays a crucial role in Shosanna Dreyfus’ (Mélanie Laurent) plot for revenge. The complexity of the storyline and multiple viewpoints can make it easy to miss just how vital Marcel is, but his tender love for Shosanna is one of the most poignant elements of the film.

August Diehl As Sturmbannführer Dieter Hellstrom In Inglourious Basterds

In the film “Inglourious Basterds,” while Christoph Waltz’s Hans Landa is universally detested, August Diehl’s Sturmbannführer Dieter Hellstrom manages to evoke similar strong emotions in less time. His sudden entrance into the secret gathering between Bridget von Hammersmark (played by Diane Kruger) and Archie Hicox is downright chilling. Fortunately, Til Schwiger’s Hugo Stiglitz gives him a fitting end.

Mike Myers As General Ed Fenech In Inglourious Basterds

It might seem somewhat odd to cast Mike “Austin Powers” Myers as a British general in charge of a secret mission, but Quentin Tarantino’s creative direction makes it work brilliantly. Myers’ character, Ed Fenech, imbues the heavy exposition scene in Inglourious Basterds with an atmosphere reminiscent of classic British war movies, transforming potentially dull material into something intriguing.

Walton Goggins As Billy Crash In Django Unchained

In the movie Django Unchained, numerous reprehensible and malevolent personalities suffer grim ends, yet it’s Walton Goggins’ character Billy Crash that truly stands out. Not only is he a detestable and brutal villain, but viewers eagerly anticipate his retribution for the audacity of his overbearing arrogance.

Zoë Bell As Six Horse Judy In The Hateful Eight

In my critique, I’d say: As a critic, I found “The Hateful Eight” to be primarily character-driven and largely confined to one location. Among the cast, Zoë Bell’s character, Six Horse Judy, stands out as more of a supporting role. Despite her untimely demise in the movie, her vibrant presence during the flashback sequence is truly captivating. Her zest for life shines through, and her unwavering confidence in her horse-handling abilities is commendable.

Margaret Qualley As “Pussycat” In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

In recent years, Margaret Qualley has solidified herself as one of the top young actresses in the industry with her work in films like “Poor Things”, “Drive-Away Dolls”, “Kinds Of Kindness” and “The Substance”. However, long before these roles, she captivated audiences with just a single scene as Pussycat in “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”. This included a memorable ride from Brad Pitt’s Cliff Booth to Charles Manson’s Spahn Ranch encampment.

Al Pacino As Marvin Schwarz In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Look at that photo!” The line from Once Upon A Time In Hollywood has turned into a meme, but one reason it resonates so much is due to the fantastic portrayal of Marvin Schwarz, played by Al Pacino. He’s an old-school Hollywood casting agent with a deep admiration for cinema.

Kurt Russell As Randy Miller/The Narrator In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Following his role as the lethal Stuntman Mike in Death Proof, Kurt Russell takes on a completely new vibe as a stuntman in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, and it’s quite enjoyable. The character, Randy Miller, embodies Russell’s seasoned charm and magnetism, and when he serves as the narrator in the film, his voice provides an excellent tour through the epic period piece.

Julia Butters As Trudi Frazer In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

In Quentin Tarantino’s films, there are rarely child characters, but the exception is Julia Butters’ Trudi Frazer in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Unlike many others, she shares the screen primarily with Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton. What sets her apart is not just her professionalism for her young age, but also the way she leaves a profound impression on Rick by showing genuine admiration for his acting abilities.

Damian Lewis As Steve McQueen In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

It’s well-known that Quentin Tarantino holds a deep affection for Steve McQueen films, and in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, he skillfully captures McQueen’s essence in one remarkable scene, subtly filling the audience in on essential details about Margot Robbie’s character, Sharon Tate.

Austin Butler As “Tex” In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Prior to his transformation into Elvis Presley or Feyd-Rautha, Austin Butler left a powerful mark as Tex in “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.” His unwavering commitment to Charles Manson’s ideology adds depth to his character, making it particularly satisfying when he meets his end during an unsuccessful assassination attempt.

2024-12-27 04:08