great twisted tale

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2000)

Probably one of the best and most innovative movies of the '90s - both from a cinematic angle and storywise. Yes it is based on a script by Tarantino and directed by Robert Rodriguez, both not easily accepted as 'high-art' directors and by the Academy. Who cares ? Just ask yourself as to how many times since Hitchcock's 'Psycho' has one seen a plot jerk as unexpectedly into a totally different vein as in this movie. For those who complain that a gritty gangster story suddenly turns into a fantastic horror saloon brawl - that is exactly what makes this movie so good. Its unexpected, catches you on the wrong foot, and rearranges all the set constellations from the first part of the movie. What else ? Great, tense and very memorable dialogues, eye-catching locations ( I just keep spotting new details in the Titty Twister every time I watch the movie ) and some fine acting ( yes, even Juliette Lewis. One does hardly ever have to gripe about Harvey Keitel, George Clooney or Cheech Marin. Tarantino himself is just looney.... And Salma Hayek is one sexy mistress of the night).
Good music score, too - it greatly helps conveying the mood and speed of the individual scenes, without becoming bombastic or boring. Same about the camera work, including the flashbacks/hallucinations incurred by Tarantino's character, points of view for a lot of shots and the cutting.
And even if you don't care about the incredible handiwork - it's just roaringly funny and dead-pan (check the quotes section !). Just be warned, that it is not meant for the easily insulted, sensitive and romantically inclined crowd - one has to be able to stand the gore, fantastic/horror aspects ( a friend of mine never got over the fact, that 'vampires' suddenly showed up in a 'gangster'-movie ) rough language and several crude jokes, so any artsy fans of Harvey Keitel will probably get the shock of their lives . Everybody will just enjoy it !
' nuff said - go see it !