Quentin Tarantino on True Romance

Summary

In this reflective discussion, the writer shares the origins and evolution of *True Romance*, detailing how the script, initially chaotic and intertwined with *Natural Born Killers*, was refined with the help of Roger Avery. They discuss the personal connection to the character of Clarence, the evolution of their creative process, and their decision to focus on *Pulp Fiction* as their second film. The writer also reflects on the significance of collaboration, particularly Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Floyd, and how the journey from script to screen mirrors their own development as a filmmaker.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tarantino viewed *True Romance* as his 'magnum opus' but initially hesitated to finish it, expecting the project to fall apart in the early stages.
• 😀 His original version of *True Romance* included elements that were later removed, including scenes from his unproduced script for *Natural Born Killers*, blending the two stories.
• 😀 Roger Avery was the only person who saw the original version of *True Romance*, helping to clean up and type the script as it evolved from chaotic notes into a professional screenplay.
• 😀 The character of Clarence in *True Romance* was originally meant to be an artist, mirroring Tarantino's own experience of writing a 'magnum opus'. This character trait was toned down in the final film.
• 😀 The structure of *True Romance* evolved to include a narrative where the audience knows more than the characters, with key events (like gangsters waiting at the hotel) hidden from the protagonists until later.
• 😀 Tarantino's original script for *True Romance* was long and unwieldy, which is why elements were cut, including crossovers with the *Natural Born Killers* storyline, even though they felt 'great'.
• 😀 Tarantino's decision to write two scripts instead of one allowed him to create manageable, separate projects (*True Romance* and *Natural Born Killers*) that both found success.
• 😀 *True Romance* was always Tarantino's first script, but by the time it was sold, Tarantino had already completed *Reservoir Dogs*, which was his directorial debut.
• 😀 Tarantino chose not to be overly involved with the production of *True Romance*, preferring to leave the filmmakers to execute his vision while avoiding being 'weird' about his absence on set.
• 😀 Tarantino’s decision to not direct *True Romance* was rooted in a belief that his 'first movie' should be original. He was focused on his second film, *Pulp Fiction*, which he felt was more important.
• 😀 Brad Pitt's portrayal of Floyd in *True Romance* was largely shaped by the actor himself, with Tarantino acknowledging that the character's success was entirely due to Pitt's performance.

Q & A

What was Quentin Tarantino's initial approach to writing True Romance?

Tarantino described his writing of True Romance as his magnum opus, where he wasn't in a rush to finish it. He spent a long time on the first half, expecting it to fall apart, but by the second half, he figured out how to end the story.

How did Tarantino view the character of Clarence in True Romance?

Tarantino initially wrote Clarence as an artist, reflecting his own experiences. Clarence, in his original version, was writing his own 'magnum opus,' a script for Natural Born Killers, while living a fairy-tale romance with Alabama.

What was the role of Roger Avary in the development of True Romance?

Roger Avary was the only person who read the original script for True Romance, as it was handwritten, full of chicken scratch and notes. He later helped type it up and edit the script, turning it into a more polished version.

What did Tarantino mean by describing his original True Romance script as 'Richard Ramirez's diary'?

Tarantino referred to his original version of True Romance as chaotic and rough, much like the infamous serial killer Richard Ramirez's diary. It was full of unrefined elements before Avary helped turn it into something more professional.

Why did Tarantino include elements of Natural Born Killers in the original script for True Romance?

Tarantino intended for Clarence’s script within True Romance to mirror the plot of Natural Born Killers, reflecting Clarence's obsession with the characters Mickey and Mallory. It was part of his larger vision, though he later cut it to streamline the script.

Why did Tarantino decide to remove parts of the original script that involved Natural Born Killers?

Tarantino realized that including scenes from Natural Born Killers within True Romance made the script too long and unwieldy, ultimately cutting it down to make the story more focused and manageable.

How did Tony Scott become involved with True Romance?

After a woman who worked with Tony Scott found out Tarantino was a fan of his, she introduced them. Tony Scott read both True Romance and Reservoir Dogs, and ultimately chose to direct True Romance while Tarantino chose to direct Reservoir Dogs.

Why did Tarantino reject offers to have True Romance and Natural Born Killers made as his debut films?

Tarantino felt that both movies were too showy for a debut and wanted to focus on making his second film, which he believed was more important. He wanted to start fresh and create something new, leading him to develop Pulp Fiction as his second movie.

Did Quentin Tarantino participate in the production of True Romance after the script was sold?

No, Tarantino did not go on set for True Romance. He chose not to be involved in the production process, believing that either he would be actively working on the film or not at all. He left it to Tony Scott to bring the vision to life.

What did Tarantino think of Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Floyd in True Romance?

Tarantino praised Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Floyd, saying that the character, although based on his script, was brought to life by Pitt in a way that felt unique. Tarantino credited Pitt with making the character his own.