Tarantino Saw It Coming

Summary

The script offers an intimate look into the life and career of Quentin Tarantino, from his early inspirations and struggles to his monumental success with 'Pulp Fiction'. It highlights his unique approach to filmmaking, blending genre conventions with authentic dialogue. Despite early failures and the pressure of following up his debut 'Reservoir Dogs', Tarantino's distinct style and dedication to his craft led to a legacy that reshaped cinema, with a promise of a thoughtful filmography culminating in a planned retirement after ten films.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Quentin Tarantino directed 'Pulp Fiction' which opened the New York Film Festival in September and starred renowned actors like John Travolta, Samuel Jackson, and Bruce Willis.
• 🌍 Tarantino sought inspiration for his second film in Amsterdam, where he started writing 'Pulp Fiction', drawing from his personal experiences and interests.
• 👻 The initial inspiration for 'Pulp Fiction' came from Mario Bava's 'Black Sabbath', a film that deeply influenced Tarantino during his childhood.
• 🎥 Tarantino's early life was centered around movies, with his parents predicting he would become a director, and his first job was as an usher at a cinema.
• 📽️ He developed a deep knowledge of films and the industry while working at Video Archives, which he considered his 'college'.
• 💡 The idea for 'Pulp Fiction' was to create a crime film anthology with interwoven stories and characters.
• 📖 Tarantino wrote 'True Romance' with a budget of $330,000, which eventually led to the production of 'Reservoir Dogs'.
• 🌟 Despite early struggles, 'Reservoir Dogs' became a hit and put Tarantino on the map as a distinctive new voice in filmmaking.
• 🏆 'Pulp Fiction' was a surprise $200 million hit worldwide, earning seven Oscar nominations and cementing Tarantino's reputation.
• 📈 Tarantino's success was not immediate; it came after years of hard work and perseverance, reflecting his belief in a thoughtfully composed filmography.
• 🚶‍♂️ Tarantino has expressed a desire to 'walk the Earth' after completing his 10th film, symbolizing his journey as a filmmaker and his intention to leave a legacy.

Q & A

Who directed the film 'Pulp Fiction'?

Quentin Tarantino directed the film 'Pulp Fiction'.

What was the significance of the film 'Pulp Fiction' in Tarantino's career?

The film 'Pulp Fiction' was a significant milestone in Quentin Tarantino's career as it established him as a prominent director and earned him worldwide acclaim and seven Oscar nominations.

What was Tarantino's approach to casting for 'Reservoir Dogs'?

Tarantino's approach to casting for 'Reservoir Dogs' involved using his own connections and the actors' willingness to get involved in the project, such as Harvey Keitel who helped get the script to other actors and even paid for the casting process out of his own pocket.

What was the initial budget for 'Reservoir Dogs'?

The initial budget for 'Reservoir Dogs' was $30,000 with a plan to shoot for 12 days using 16mm black and white film.

Why did Quentin Tarantino decide to become a filmmaker instead of just an actor?

Quentin Tarantino decided to become a filmmaker because he realized that he didn't just want to be in movies, but he wanted to make movies, which aligned more with his passion and interests.

What was Tarantino's first attempt at directing a film?

Tarantino's first attempt at directing a film was 'My Best Friend's Birthday', a comedy that he worked on for about 3 years, primarily financing it himself from a minimum wage job.

What was the reaction to the violence in 'Reservoir Dogs'?

The violence in 'Reservoir Dogs', particularly the ear-cutting scene, caused a lot of remarks and walkouts, mainly from women, indicating that the film was not for everyone and had a strong impact on viewers.

What was the inspiration behind the film 'Pulp Fiction'?

The inspiration for 'Pulp Fiction' came from an idea of doing a crime film anthology with three crime stories and the same group of characters floating in and out. Additionally, Tarantino was influenced by Mario Bava's 'Black Sabbath' which he saw on late-night television as a child.

How did Tarantino feel about the success of 'Reservoir Dogs'?

Tarantino did not view the success of 'Reservoir Dogs' as an albatross but rather as a positive, as it allowed him to have a successful first film which he believed was good for his career.

What was the initial reaction to 'Pulp Fiction'?

The initial reaction to 'Pulp Fiction' was highly positive, with the film becoming a surprise $200 million smash hit worldwide and sparking numerous discussions and analyses, including the creation of an online Church of Tarantino.

What is Quentin Tarantino's view on retiring after making 10 films?

Quentin Tarantino has expressed a desire to retire after making 10 films, viewing it as leaving a thoughtfully composed filmography. He mentions the idea of 'walking the Earth' after his filmmaking career, suggesting a desire to live life and have adventures beyond his work.