As a die-hard fan of cinema and a connoisseur of Quentin Tarantino‘s masterpieces, I must say that my journey with his films has been nothing short of exhilarating! Each film he has graced us with is a unique blend of style, substance, and sheer cinematic brilliance. But among all the films he has directed, it’s his 1994 masterpiece, Pulp Fiction, that holds a special place in my heart.
For Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L. Jackson and Zoë Bell are his long-standing collaborators, having appeared in six and seven of his films respectively. While both actors have worked extensively with Tarantino, Jackson is frequently acknowledged as the director’s most consistent partner due to his significant roles, contrasting with Bell’s. Their professional bond dates back nearly three decades to when Jackson was cast in “Pulp Fiction.
It turns out that Jackson appreciates collaborating with Tarantino because the characters in Tarantino’s films often engage in extensive dialogue, which happens to be something that Jackson enjoys doing himself.
Tarantino films stand out because they delve deeply into characters, making it more about expressing your identity and emotions instead of focusing on car chases and stunts as seen in other movies.
Their approach certainly aligns with our understanding, and we eagerly anticipate further joint efforts from them. In terms of their current initiatives, here’s a brief rundown of their ranking.
6 ‘Kill Bill. Vol 2’ (2004)
In the sequel titled “Kill Bill Vol. 2,” we find ourselves picking up where the initial story left off, as The Bride, whose real name is Beatrix Kiddo, resumes her quest for vengeance against Bill, a past lover who leads the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and orchestrated a massacre at her wedding rehearsal. As she tracks him down, she leaves a path marked by bloodshed. Jackson takes on the role of Rufus, a musician who was scheduled to perform at the wedding, but tragically met his end during the massacre.
Kill Rufus
In this movie, Quentin Tarantino offers a raw, unfiltered portrayal of human nature and retribution, and it’s far from attractive. However, it falls short compared to the initial film. Nothing can rival the anime sequence in Kill Bill (Vol 2). Additionally, there are fewer memorable lines. As for Jackson, it seems like he merely drops by to greet fans before departing. Yet, is there anyone who could have played Rufus better than him? Absolutely not.
5 ‘Jackie Brown’ (1997)
In the movie “Jackie Brown,” flight attendant Jackie Brown (Pam Grier), dreams of a life filled with high-end brands like Givenchy and Burberry, after she takes on an extra job involving money transportation for arms dealer Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson). However, instead of offering a solution to her financial struggles, this new role seems only to intensify feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Can this situation hold up in the long run?
Many Tarantino Trademarks Are Missing
Drawing inspiration from Elmore Leonard’s “Rum Punch,” Quentin Tarantino’s gripping mystery delivers a perfect blend of suspenseful twists and intense emotional turmoil. The director masterfully exploits the intricate yet seemingly simple Los Angeles criminal underworld, skillfully echoing the Blaxploitation era in the process. When Ordell meets his end, you’ll find your neck hairs bristling with tension.
This isn’t a film for everyone, but rather a quirky, intriguing thriller that caters to those craving something akin to “Pulp Fiction“. However, it lacks the fast-paced dialogue and excessive violence characteristic of that movie. In essence, it seems like a production any other filmmaker could have created.
4 ‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)
In the year 1877, a group of eight individuals find themselves in need of shelter from a fierce blizzard at Minnie’s Haberdashery, run by a Mexican man named Bob. Among them is Major Marquis Warren, a former Union Army cavalryman, who is on his way to Red Rock, Wyoming Territory, with three deceased bounty hunters in tow. Unsurprisingly, events at the stopover take a turn for the worse.
Great Performances and Action Sequences… But a Weak Story
Originally envisioned as a follow-up to “Django Unchained”, later developed into a self-contained film, Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” presents a remarkably innovative perspective on the Western genre that has not been seen since… indeed, since “Django Unchained”. It skillfully portrays the harsh reality of post-Civil War America and the somber atmosphere of the time.
In one of his most outstanding performances, Jackson shines by blending the confidence of a seasoned veteran with the ethics of an ordinary citizen, taking down sinister characters. However, the story itself leaves much to be desired. It seems that there could have been a more compelling script hidden within it, but Tarantino appears to have been too focused on the bloody conclusion.
3 ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)
In the Antebellum South and Old West, the movie titled “Django Unchained” tells the story of Django, an African slave who gains a second chance at life when a German bounty hunter liberates him. Alongside this hunter, they embark on a journey to save Django’s wife, who is being held captive by a plantation owner that exudes charm but harbors cruelty. The duo encounters numerous challenges along their path, among them Stephen, the devoted house slave portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson.
A Perfect Modern-Day Spaghetti Western
Paying tribute to the iconic Spaghetti Westerns, the masterful movie “Django Unchained” elegantly pays homage to its predecessors. It also includes a special appearance by Franco Nero, who starred in Sergio Corbucci’s 1966 film, “Django.
In a refreshingly engaging manner, Tarantino skillfully incorporates historical elements, denouncing slavery while enriching the movie’s 1800s setting with delightful period authenticity, lavish landscapes, and energizing music, such as Beethoven’s “Für Elise”. What truly captivates is the outstanding portrayal of Jackson’s villainous character, which sends chills just by his presence, and leaves you feeling genuinely enraged by his harsh dialogues.
2 ‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)
In the movie “Inglourious Basterds,” it seems the Nazis overstepped their bounds. As a result, Allied officer Lt. Aldo Raine takes matters into his own hands. During Germany’s initial year of occupation in France, he gathers a group of Jewish soldiers for an extraordinary mission: to track down and eliminate Hitler’s key personnel. The assignment is challenging, but with Samuel L. Jackson providing the narration, the movie feels more like a thrilling adventure than a serious task.
A Return to Form for Tarantino
The film “Inglorious Basterds” by Tarantino is a remarkable blend of raw ambiance and artfully portrayed violence, distinctively embodying the Holocaust theme. Diane Kruger, as a German actress turned spy, exudes an astonishingly cunning cat-like charm. Samuel L. Jackson, narrating the risky operation, skillfully elevates the perceived danger. Christopher Waltz delivers an outstanding performance as a relentless and strategic “Standartenführer.” In addition, Tarantino’s dialogue sparkles with dialogue that deserves a standing ovation.
1 ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
In “Pulp Fiction,” multiple interconnected stories unfold. A significant one centers around two professional assassins, Jules (played by Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta). They have an uncanny knack for detecting danger to their boss and skillfully foiling the schemes of potential threats. However, as with any job, there are days when things don’t go smoothly for them in the office.
A High Point in Both Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino’s Careers
As the character Jules, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, delivers a profound and deeply moving act, subtly infusing his merciless persona with endearing qualities. Among all his collaborations with Tarantino, this is the sole project that earned him an Oscar nomination.
For the filmmaker, this crime drama serves as his masterpiece. Despite adopting an unconventional, fragmented perspective, he skillfully weaves the brutal narrative with intricate complexity. He structures the storyline out of sequence and uses intertitles, adding a unique twist. Additionally, he incorporates numerous sequences that pay tribute to and mimic other films (pastiche and homage), offering dedicated movie enthusiasts an unexpected delight.
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2024-12-01 03:02