Tarantino's Second Best

Defining a genre will always be a shade more difficult if you are including a Quentin Tarantino movie. One could categorize True Romance under crime or romance. Is there such a thing as a romantic crime drama? Probably not. However, you may have to consider molding different silos together when you are organizing your favorites in comparison to those of the real movie critics.

Personally, I own all but three of Tarantino's movies. The most recent purchase was Inglourious Basterds. It's not a WWII film. Then again, it's not completely a Nazi film. I would consider it a revenge flick. Who doesn't love a great revenge flick (minus the really disturbing ones...Old Boy...don't get me started). If you are thinking of a Tarantino movie tagged with the title of a revenge flick, then you would immediately think of violence.

Quite surprisingly this film wasn't as violent as you would think it was. Instead you are given an amazing dialogue piece peppered with violent revenge. The dialogue in this film is simply magnificent. You hardly even know how long a scene is going on until it is over. Along with the dialogue you are treated to amazing performances that effortlessly flow in German, French, English, and yes a little bit of Italian with a capitol I.

People tend to attach Brad Pitt to the latest Tarantino masterpiece. Might I bring your attention to the masterful performance by Christoph Waltz? Before this movie I had never heard of nor seen any of Waltz's performances before now. Is that saying I don't get out much? Or is that saying I don't care about Austrian-born actors? No! Absolutely not! The fact of the matter is I wish I had known about this talented, versatile actor. Leave it to Tarantino to find the actors he wants and gets. Not too many actors would consider turning down a Tarantino film.

Tarantino's ability to piece together a fantastic, international cast was a feat in and of itself. Then he takes the talent and molds it into his vision. How does he do it? Quentin would tell you it's because he "loves making movies!" That being said Brad Pitt does put on a fantastic (surprisingly physical) performance. The physicality of his character makes you instantly think of a thumb-in-belt loop kind of guy. Well done by the Missouri-born actor.

The most recent installment of Tarantino film fun should be considered his second best film. I still feel as though Pulp Fiction is Tarantino's best film he has made so far. It will be extremely tough to beat such a unique look at the life of crime. Inglourious Basterds comes in second. From that point it depends on what you are looking for in a film. If you want action you turn to Kill Bill Vol. 1. Let's say you are more of a dialogue person. Then you will look at True Romance or Kill Bill Vol. 2. Another great crime film is Reservoir Dogs.

To this day I had thought the ultimate scene for extended dialogue in a Tarantino film or any film for that matter occured in True Romance. Can you recall the scene I am referring to? It's not between Gary Oldman's pimp and Christian Slater's love struck hero. The best scene of dialogue happens in a cramped trailer park home between screen legends Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper. What a powerful cinematic gem! Words cannot describe how I feel about that scene. I wrote a communication research paper based on that scene during my graduate school days. Loved it!


There will come a day when people try to immitate what Tarantino is trying to do with history. Some have tried but haven't come close. To those who succeed I suggest you quit while you're behind. Tarantino is in a league of his own. Do your own thing and leave the master to his work.