Why The Hateful Eight is Tarantino’s Most Underrated Masterpiece

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I’m not going to debate with anybody on what Tarantino’s best movie is–It’s Pulp Fiction.

When it comes to evaluating the rest of his films, there’s plenty of room for debate. While Quentin Tarantino has never produced a bad movie (even _Death Proof_ has its strong points!), he has an impressive collection of good ones that you could justify as his next best work, making a case for any film in his oeuvre.

Despite the fact that certain films are often highly regarded – Inglourious Basterds, Kill Bill, and Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood among them – I personally believe that Quentin Tarantino’s eighth film, The Hateful Eight, is his second-best work after Pulp Fiction. I don’t think it receives enough recognition for its quality, and here are my reasons why.

The Movie Does So Much With So Little

By all standards, it’s fair to describe “The Hateful Eight” as quite limited in scale. After all, most of the action unfolds within a single location, making films like “Reservoir Dogs” its closest relative when considering their settings’ size and scope.

I could be drawn to the charm of “The Hateful Eight” because “Reservoir Dogs,” ranked as my third favorite Quentin Tarantino film, holds a special place for me. The narrative unfolds within a haberdashery amidst a fierce blizzard. In one of his stellar performances, frequent Tarantino collaborator Samuel L. Jackson portrays Major Marquis Warren, a bounty hunter accompanied by three deceased individuals.

Coincidentally, he encounters his old acquaintance John Ruth, also known as “The Hangman,” portrayed by Kurt Russell, on a stagecoach. At that time, Ruth was handcuffed to the criminal “Crazy” Daisy Domergue (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh) who was destined for execution, and a new sheriff named Chris Mannix (portrayed by Walter Goggins) also joined them on the journey. Despite their different paths, the terrible storm forced them to seek refuge at a haberdashery, where they were later joined by what seemed to be four additional individuals.

Furthermore, it may not appear significant at first glance, but what unfolds next promises to be one of Quentin Tarantino’s most exhilarating journeys yet. Much of this is due to the palpable tension that permeates the story, a tension stemming from racial issues (which I’ll delve into later) and also the discomfort of former Confederate soldiers sharing confined quarters with Northerners.

The ensuing events are similar to a powder leg, packed with tension and excitement. While it may not reach the epic scale of World War II in Inglourious Basterds, the horrors of slavery depicted in Django Unchained, or the martial arts mastery showcased in Kill Bill, it certainly ranks as one of Quentin Tarantino’s most exhilarating films for me, surpassed only by Pulp Fiction. Simply put, it’s a phenomenal movie.

It Is Samuel L. Jackson’s Second Best Tarantino Character, Right After Jules Winnfield

It’s plausible to contend that the most outstanding character played by Samuel L. Jackson throughout his career was Jules Winnfield. He portrayed this character with an undeniable coolness and ruthlessness, yet also showed a capacity for change. The role in “Pulp Fiction” is the type of career-making performance that an actor might encounter once in their lifetime…if fortune favors them.

Jackson has been a common presence in most of Tarantino’s films; however, it is generally agreed that his role in “The Hateful Eight” is his only significant lead (while “Pulp Fiction” also features Jackson prominently, the complex nature of the film makes it debatable to label him as the main character).

In “The Hateful Eight,” his character is a cunning bounty hunter, who deceitfully wins the trust of white folks through a forged letter apparently from Abraham Lincoln. Remarkably, this man wouldn’t hesitate to provoke a racist individual into drawing his weapon by spinning an elaborate yarn about having harmed and murdered his son in a vile manner.

Throughout it all, you can sense his enjoyment, and he seems to be relishing every moment. This character feels tailor-made for him by Tarantino, and Jackson imbues each line with a unique energy and charisma that is distinctly his own.

In the movie “Jackie Brown“, I really enjoyed Jackson’s performance, but I believe his role in another Tarantino film surpasses it slightly. Spending time with his character was an absolute delight.

This Movie Has Some Of Tarantino’s Best Dialogue…Though It’s SUPER Problematic

As a passionate cinephile, I was truly disheartened to learn that Quentin Tarantino’s purported tenth and swansong film, “The Movie Critic,” has been scrapped. This news particularly hit me hard because I eagerly anticipate each of Tarantino’s films, knowing that they will deliver some of the most captivating dialogue in cinema.

Regarding some outstanding dialogue, I believe that “The Hateful Eight” features some of Tarantino’s best work, but it comes with a warning. While I genuinely appreciate the diverse and authentic dialogues in this movie (each character’s unique speech reveals their distinct background), I also find this script to be one of Tarantino’s most challenging due to the intense racial undertones present within the film.

Indeed, it’s clear to see that this film features a main character who is African American and portrays prejudiced individuals from the Southern region. Notably, Quentin Tarantino’s seventh production, Django Unchained, showcased actors like Leonardo DiCaprio (in one of his finest performances) using the N-word multiple times. Remarkably, even Tarantino himself employed this word in Pulp Fiction. This is an aspect that has drawn considerable criticism towards him throughout his career.

In The Hateful Eight, there’s an unsettling quality that I can’t help but notice. Perhaps it’s due to the storyline. Unlike Django Unchained where a slave rose up and sought revenge, the aftermath of the Civil War in The Hateful Eight makes the situation seem even more disturbing.

Although I find this conversation a bit unsettling, it maintains an authenticity that is undeniable, unlike the satisfaction I get from watching films like Django Unchained. Beyond its racial undertones, however, it’s a captivating listen, and for me, it may even surpass other Tarantino films in terms of enjoyment.

The Ensemble Cast Is Probably The Best Tarantino Has Ever Assembled

It’s worth noting that a director is often praised for consistently having outstanding performers in their films. Some might suggest that it’s the director’s skill to bring out the best in each actor, such as Quentin Tarantino’s ability to showcase talents like Christoph Waltz, who was relatively unknown before his Oscar-winning role in Inglourious Basterds.

Indeed, there’s a strong argument to be made for directors who not only select top-tier actors but also orchestrate them into effective ensemble casts. This skill is truly remarkable and Tarantino has demonstrated it time and again. Movies like “Kill Bill,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Jackie Brown” are prime examples, each featuring a well-coordinated ensemble that works seamlessly together.

Apart from “Pulp Fiction,” I believe that “The Hateful Eight” boasts one of Quentin Tarantino’s most impressive ensembles. This is due to each actor bringing something unique to their role. I’ve previously discussed Samuel L. Jackson, but Kurt Russell delivers an exceptional performance as “The Hangman.” He portrays a mix of strength and a touch of foolishness. Bruce Dern brings a captivating energy as a dying Confederate General, and Tim Roth skillfully inserts his character into the narrative in a truly engaging manner.

In a male-dominated film, Jennifer Jason Leigh’s exceptional performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, which was truly merited.

In essence, everyone is excellent, which matters significantly because Tarantino’s current film is among his most complex to comprehend.

It Goes Down As Tarantino’s Most Mean-Spirited-But Also One Of His Most Fun-Movies In His Filmography

I previously mentioned that “The Hateful Eight” can be tough to watch, and indeed it is. However, this doesn’t mean it lacks entertainment, quite the contrary! It offers a lot of fun. One scene that stands out for me among all Quentin Tarantino’s films is when the poisoned coffee is served, especially with Ennio Morricone’s music playing in the background (by the way, the soundtrack is fantastic!).

Nevertheless, “The Hateful Eight” is an exceptionally cruel and unsettling film. The distressing treatment of Jennifer Jason Leigh’s character is tough to bear, even given her wicked personality, and the bleak conclusion leaves you far from feeling cozy and content.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that the movie portrays a significant amount of racial prejudice. All the characters seem unlikable, and spending too much time in such a confined setting can become quite oppressive over time.

While I must confess, this movie is truly captivating for me, it’s undeniably challenging to endure. However, this very difficulty adds an intriguing layer, making each viewing almost like a delightful struggle – a testament to its unique artistic appeal.

By the way, I’m curious about your thoughts! Do you appreciate Quentin Tarantino’s work, including “The Hateful Eight,” as well? Remember to visit us regularly for the latest updates on everything related to Tarantino.

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2025-03-27 03:08