A true work of genius

Rating: 10/10 (14 October 2012)

Watching Jackie Brown again on a big screen, as I had the pleasure of doing last night, reminded me of what an utterly superb piece of film making this was by Quentin Tarantino. There isn't a single wasted shot, scene or line in it, and the two and a half hour running time passed in a thoroughly enjoyable manner. From the opening shots of Pam Grier rushing through the airport to the strains of Across 110th Street, the story unfolds in a gentle but gripping way that allows the characters to breath and become far greater than the sum of their parts.
And what a story it is, with Tarantino's vision of the Elmore Leonard novel, Rum Punch, really bringing a vivid life and colour to the intrigue and uncertainty. The performances all work well, with Grier looking as sassy and sexy as any woman I think I've seen on screen, and her counterparts equally stepping up to the plate and delivering. Robert Forster convinces as nice-guy Max, the integrity of the man not overshadowed by his willingness to live on the edges of legality. Jackson and De Niro as the odd bad couple are funny and convincing in their engagements, with the added frisson of Bridget Fonda stirring up the mix.
The music is used brilliantly, adding to both the action and the events on screen and seeing it again in a cinema reminds one of just how good the camera work and editing really are. Its sumptuous to look at and quite compelling as you're swept along, particularly a long urgent take in the mall the second time around. I was still seeing things that I had missed in the various times I've watched this on DVD since it's release and I really can't recommend it enough. His best work in my opinion, measured, humorous, thoughtful, well-structured and utterly eminently watchable.