Quentin Tarantino has directed nine distinct films that bear his unmistakable authorial stamp. These films, characterized by their stylized violence, sharp dialogue, nonlinear narratives, and loving homage to genre cinema, constitute the core of his celebrated directorial filmography.
The Official Tarantino Filmography: Nine Films and Counting…Well, Not Anymore
While collaborations and contributions dot his resume, only nine movies are widely considered part of the official Quentin Tarantino filmography as director. Tarantino has famously stated that he intends to retire from directing after his tenth film. With “The Movie Critic” scrapped, it looks like these nine stand as his main directorial works. Let’s examine them.
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Reservoir Dogs (1992): The independent classic that launched Tarantino’s career, a heist gone wrong unfolds in a warehouse.
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Pulp Fiction (1994): The cultural phenomenon that redefined independent cinema, an interconnected anthology of crime stories.
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Jackie Brown (1997): An adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s “Rum Punch,” featuring a flight attendant caught in a smuggling operation.
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Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) & Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004): A revenge saga in two parts, showcasing Tarantino’s love for exploitation films and martial arts cinema. These are considered one film, just released in two parts.
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Death Proof (2007): Part of the Grindhouse double feature, a slasher film with a focus on car chases and stunt work.
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Inglourious Basterds (2009): A revisionist World War II film centering on a group of Jewish-American soldiers on a mission to assassinate Nazi leaders.
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Django Unchained (2012): A stylized Western focusing on a freed slave who teams up with a bounty hunter.
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The Hateful Eight (2015): A contained Western thriller set in a snowbound cabin, featuring a group of dangerous strangers.
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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): A nostalgic and often humorous look at the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969.
FAQs About Quentin Tarantino’s Films
These frequently asked questions delve deeper into Tarantino’s filmography, exploring various aspects of his work, collaborations, and impact on cinema.
H3: Does Quentin Tarantino consider Kill Bill one movie or two?
Tarantino has consistently referred to Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Kill Bill: Volume 2 as one complete story, albeit released in two parts due to its length. Many fans consider it one epic film, separated for theatrical distribution and marketing purposes. The ending of the second volume provides closure to the narrative arc established in the first.
H3: What about his collaborations? Do those count towards his directorial total?
While Tarantino has contributed to several films in various roles, including writing, acting, and producing, only those films where he is credited as the primary director are considered part of his core filmography. For example, he co-directed “Four Rooms” (1995), but this is not widely included when discussing his nine official films. Similarly, he directed a segment of “Sin City” (2005), but it’s seen as a collaboration rather than a solo directorial effort. Therefore, those films do not count toward the nine.
H3: What is Grindhouse, and what was Tarantino’s involvement?
Grindhouse (2007) was a double feature project conceived by Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, paying homage to the exploitation films of the 1970s. Rodriguez directed “Planet Terror” and Tarantino directed “Death Proof.” The films were intended to be shown together in theaters, complete with fake trailers and missing reels to emulate the grindhouse experience.
H3: What happened to “The Movie Critic”?
“The Movie Critic,” initially slated to be Tarantino’s tenth and final film, has been scrapped. Tarantino has officially confirmed that he will not be making this movie, leaving the future of his directorial career uncertain. While the script existed and production was seemingly moving forward, Tarantino ultimately decided against it. The reasons were not completely disclosed.
H3: Does writing a movie script automatically make it a “Quentin Tarantino movie”?
No. While Tarantino is a highly influential screenwriter, writing a script does not automatically qualify a film as a “Quentin Tarantino movie.” He needs to be the credited director for it to be part of his official filmography. Other directors may interpret his scripts in ways that differ from his own vision.
H3: What are some of Tarantino’s signature directorial techniques?
Tarantino is known for several distinctive directorial techniques, including nonlinear storytelling, extensive use of pop culture references, stylized violence, dialogue-driven scenes, creative soundtrack choices, and long takes. His films frequently incorporate elements from various genres, blending them to create a unique and recognizable style.
H3: How has Quentin Tarantino influenced other filmmakers?
Tarantino’s influence on cinema is undeniable. He has inspired countless filmmakers to embrace nonlinear storytelling, explore genre-bending narratives, and prioritize character development and dialogue. His films have also popularized the use of anachronistic music and unconventional editing techniques. Many independent filmmakers have cited Tarantino as a major influence on their own work.
H3: What is Tarantino’s next project now that “The Movie Critic” is shelved?
As of now, Tarantino has not officially announced his next project. He has discussed various possibilities, including writing novels and plays. It remains to be seen whether he will return to directing in the future. He’s stated he may pursue writing full time, focusing on his novels and other written work.
H3: Which Tarantino movie is considered his “best” by critics and audiences?
There is no single consensus on which Tarantino movie is his “best.” “Pulp Fiction” is widely regarded as a landmark film and often appears on lists of the greatest movies of all time. “Inglourious Basterds” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” are also highly acclaimed and frequently cited as favorites among fans and critics. Ultimately, the “best” Tarantino movie is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
H3: Does Tarantino use the same actors in multiple movies?
Yes. Tarantino frequently collaborates with a core group of actors, including Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, and Christoph Waltz. He values the familiarity and trust he builds with these actors, allowing them to deliver exceptional performances in his films. Casting the same actors repeatedly creates a cohesive and recognizable cinematic universe.
H3: What is the significance of the “Red Apple Cigarettes” prop in Tarantino’s films?
“Red Apple Cigarettes” is a fictional brand of cigarettes that appears in several Tarantino films, as well as movies directed by Robert Rodriguez. It’s considered an inside joke and a recurring element that connects these filmmakers’ cinematic universes. It’s a fun Easter egg that fans often look for.
H3: Are there any recurring themes or motifs in Tarantino’s filmography?
Several recurring themes and motifs run throughout Tarantino’s filmography. These include themes of revenge, redemption, violence, and the power of storytelling. He often explores the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between good and evil. Other recurring motifs include foot fetishes, suitcase contents that are never fully revealed, and extended dialogue scenes that build tension and suspense. The examination of racial issues is also prevalent, sometimes controversial.
In conclusion, Quentin Tarantino’s nine films represent a significant contribution to contemporary cinema. While the possibility of a tenth film once lingered, it appears his directorial legacy rests on these iconic works. The absence of “The Movie Critic” might be disappointing to some, but it does solidify the existing films, inviting more attention and discussion regarding the already established nine features. His influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.