Quentin Tarantino considers ‘The Hateful Eight’ his eighth film because he counts both ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ and ‘Kill Bill: Volume 2’ as a single film, acknowledging their original conception as one cohesive narrative. This artistic choice reflects Tarantino’s understanding of cinematic storytelling and his personal vision for the project.
The Tarantino Filmography: A Singular Vision
Quentin Tarantino is notorious for his unique style, his passion for filmmaking, and, sometimes, his unconventional logic. One aspect that has often sparked debate among cinephiles is the way he numbers his filmography. ‘The Hateful Eight,’ released in 2015, is officially designated as Tarantino’s eighth film, despite him having directed nine distinct cinematic releases (including ‘Death Proof’ as part of ‘Grindhouse’). The key to understanding this lies in Tarantino’s creative process and his perception of ‘Kill Bill’ as a single entity.
The Kill Bill Conundrum: One Movie or Two?
Originally conceived as one sprawling, four-hour epic, ‘Kill Bill’ was ultimately split into two volumes for logistical and financial reasons. However, Tarantino has consistently maintained that ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ and ‘Kill Bill: Volume 2’ should be regarded as a single, unified film. He envisioned the two volumes as chapters of the same story, telling the complete saga of The Bride’s revenge.
This distinction isn’t merely semantics. It reflects Tarantino’s artistic intention. He argues that both volumes are inherently linked, sharing a single protagonist, a unified narrative arc, and a consistent thematic structure. For Tarantino, splitting the film was a pragmatic decision, not a creative one. Consequently, he doesn’t count them as separate entries in his official filmography. It is a point on which he remains steadfast.
The “Death Proof” Exception
While some might argue that ‘Death Proof,’ part of the ‘Grindhouse’ double feature with Robert Rodriguez’s ‘Planet Terror,’ should also be considered half a film, Tarantino views it differently. Unlike ‘Kill Bill,’ ‘Death Proof’ was always intended to be a standalone entity, even if part of a larger collaborative project. Its narrative is self-contained, and it doesn’t share the same level of narrative interdependence with ‘Planet Terror’ as ‘Volume 1’ does with ‘Volume 2’. This distinction allows him to confidently include “Death Proof” as a part of his individual movie releases.
FAQs: Decoding the Tarantino Filmography
To further clarify the matter, let’s address some frequently asked questions regarding Tarantino’s film count:
H3: Q1: So, ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ is his ninth film then?
Yes, according to Tarantino’s official count, ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019) is considered his ninth film, and ‘The Movie Critic’ (unreleased) is set to be his tenth and final.
H3: Q2: Has Tarantino ever publicly stated why he counts ‘Kill Bill’ as one film?
Yes, in numerous interviews, Tarantino has explicitly stated his intention to view ‘Kill Bill’ as a single film, emphasizing its original conceptual unity and the arbitrary nature of the split imposed by distribution constraints. He has reiterated this stance consistently throughout his career.
H3: Q3: Are there alternative interpretations of Tarantino’s filmography?
Absolutely. Some film critics and fans argue that each distinct cinematic release should be counted individually, regardless of Tarantino’s intentions. This would mean ‘The Hateful Eight’ would be considered his ninth film, and so on. It’s ultimately a matter of perspective.
H3: Q4: Does this impact how the film industry perceives Tarantino’s work?
Not significantly. While the film count is a point of discussion among cinephiles, it doesn’t fundamentally alter the industry’s perception of Tarantino’s contributions to cinema. His talent and influence are undeniable regardless of how his films are numbered.
H3: Q5: What if ‘Kill Bill’ had been released as one four-hour movie?
In that scenario, there would be no debate. ‘Kill Bill’ would unequivocally be considered a single film, and Tarantino’s filmography would be straightforward. The split is the sole source of the confusion.
H3: Q6: Does this affect the runtime of his “films”?
No. ‘Kill Bill’ still holds the complete runtime of both volumes one and two in discussions about Tarantino’s film length. The total time is never reduced to the length of just one volume.
H3: Q7: Is Tarantino’s approach common among directors?
No, it’s relatively uncommon. Most directors count each distinct film release as a separate entry in their filmography. Tarantino’s approach is a reflection of his personal artistic vision and his refusal to conform to conventional norms.
H3: Q8: What about other collaborative projects Tarantino has worked on?
For collaborative projects where Tarantino only directed a segment, such as “Four Rooms”, these are not considered films from him officially. This is because they are not viewed as independent projects, and are simply a single part of a larger ensemble effort.
H3: Q9: How does this numbering affect award nominations or career retrospectives?
Award nominations typically recognize individual films, so each volume of ‘Kill Bill’ received separate nominations. However, during career retrospectives, both volumes are often presented as a single, unified work.
H3: Q10: Is there any chance Tarantino will change his mind about the film count?
It’s highly unlikely. Tarantino is known for his conviction and artistic integrity. He has consistently maintained his stance on ‘Kill Bill’ for years, suggesting he’s unlikely to deviate from it.
H3: Q11: Does Tarantino have a favorite film among his “eight”?
Tarantino has mentioned different films at different times, but he has generally leaned towards ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ as one of his personal favorites, praising its depth and personal resonance.
H3: Q12: If “The Movie Critic” is truly his last film, will he continue to count ‘Kill Bill’ as one?
Absolutely. All indications suggest Tarantino will maintain his consistent numbering system, viewing ‘Kill Bill’ as a single film until the very end of his directorial career. This is a core part of his artistic identity.
Conclusion: The Art of Tarantino’s Numbering System
In conclusion, Quentin Tarantino’s decision to count ‘The Hateful Eight’ as his eighth film stems from his artistic conviction that ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ and ‘Kill Bill: Volume 2’ constitute a single, cohesive narrative. While this approach might seem unconventional, it’s a testament to Tarantino’s unique vision and his unwavering commitment to his artistic principles. Understanding this seemingly minor detail offers a deeper insight into the mind of one of cinema’s most influential and innovative filmmakers. The numbering controversy serves as a microcosm of Tarantino’s approach to filmmaking – bold, unconventional, and deeply personal.