Review by Theo Kallström

Reservoir Dogs 1992

9

Review by Theo Kallström
VIP
6
BlockedParentSpoilers2019-12-16T11:38:05Z

The Five Faces of RESERVOIR DOGS


:heart_eyes:

The opening scene introduces our characters, and even though we hardly learn anything about them we already feel like members of their little group. Hearing them discuss Madonna's music and tipping culture feels very down-to-earth.

Most scenes are long and contained, so the film feels almost theatrical in its presentation. Amazing performances and great dialogue move the film forward.

The overall story is like a farce or a Shakespearean tragedy, down to the ridiculousness of the plot and the lunatic characters.

A special nod to Steve Buscemi (Fargo, 1998) in probably one of his most intense parts. He absolutely shines as Mr. Pink and puts in a career-defining performance.

Harvey Keitel (Thelma & Louise, 1991) and Tim Roth (Rob Roy, 1995) put in the best performances; they're hilarious, furious and tragic all at the same time.

The furious and energetic fighting between the characters is absolutely a joy to watch and forms the basis of the movie's plot.

Quentin Tarantino's (Pulp Fiction, 1994) feature film debut contains many details that will later become his trademarks: sharp and quotable dialogue, distinct characters, lots of blood, pop culture references and sudden bursts of action.

:smiley:

Reservoir Dogs contains several moments of brilliance, such as Keitel and Buscemi screaming at each other, Mr. Orange's little story to his partners or Mr. White (Michael Madsen; The Hateful Eight, 2015) dancing around a cop while torturing him.

Interesting choice of story progression, in true Tarantino fashion. We begin with the aftermath and the mystery and end with everything leading up to it. It's the type of non-linear storytelling Tarantino is famous for.

The ending is bizarre, over-the-top and incredibly theatrical. It's not the most creative Tarantino ending but is definitely memorable.

:neutral_face:

The film is extremely slow, as the dialogue and performances move the plot forward. Many scenes drag out for so long, that you forget their significance to the plot.

The scenes set in the past with Joe are meant to bring some exposition, but aren't as interesting as the scenes where team members interact with each other.

The simple story is stretched out to an extent, with the script staying on the same subject matter for quite some while before moving on.

Half of the gang barely appear in the film, which is a pity, since it would have been interesting to get to know Tarantino's interesting characters a little better.

The overall plot is a bit of a disappointment. No big twist or surprise, very little to chew on or contemplate afterwards. There's little reason to revisit this film.

:frowning2:

//

:face_vomiting:

//


The Final Face: :smiley: // Good

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