The Definitive 90's Film

Rating: 10/10 (10 March 2001)

Back in 1992, a movie written and directed by a video store clerk rocked Hollywood. There was a new kid in town, namely Quentin Tarantino. With "Reservoir Dogs" he had re-defined the crime thriller with his quirky dialogue and controversial depiction of violence. The amazing part is, people talk about it as much today as they did then, and why not? It deserves all the credit it receives.
The film centres on a heist gone wrong; Six guys are put together on one job - a diamond heist. To protect their identities, they are each given a colour-coded alias: Mr. White (the outstanding Harvey Keitel, who, incidentally, had a big hand in getting the film made); Mr. Orange (the then-relatively unknown Tim Roth); Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen); Mr. Blue (Eddie Bunker); Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi, surely one of the most under-rated actors around) and Mr. Brown, played by Mr. Tarantino himself.

The film opens with a perfect example of Tarantino's dialogue, as the guys discuss whether or not Madonna's "Like A Virgin" was a metaphor for big dicks and then debate with Mr. Pink on why waitresses should be given a tip ("I won't tip just because society says I have to"). From then on, the film is told in flashback, as Mr. Whit and Mr. Pink, along with the wounded Mr. Orange try to figure out why the heist went wrong. Keitel really carries the film and it's his presence that probably ensured the film was made. Michael Madsen as Mr. Blonde is the perfect cold blooded killer and there is also able support from the likes of Lawrence Tierney and Chris Penn.
Tarantino went on to make the similarly impressive "Pulp Fiction" (1994)(which included some of the "Reservoir Dogs" cast) and then later "Jackie Brown" (1997), an adaption of an Elmore Leonard novel. "Reservoir Dogs" is probably my personal favourite, though, with it's fast-paced storyline and terrific acting.
It's been said so many times but it's true: "Reservoir Dogs" is the most influential film of the 90's, of that there is no question.