Signature Tarantino full of surprises

Rating: 7/10 (7 February 2008)

The signature unpredictability, small talk and razor sharp dialogue was clearly evident in this impressive debut feature from "Pulp Fiction" director Quentin Tarantino.
"Reservoir Dogs" tells the ultra-violent, gratuitous and even occasionally gruesome story of a robbery gone wrong and the aftermath which turns into a bloody inquisition between those who got out alive. Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi and Harvey Keitel all give first rate performances as the three criminals who arrive first at the predetermined meeting point and immediately begin the investigation to uncover the rat that blew their cover. Strong support is supplied by Michael Madsen, Christopher Penn, Lawrence Tierney, Randy Brooks and Quentin himself.
Tarantino employs the blackest of humour, but this movie is especially twisted and bent, far more so the "Pulp Fiction". Look out for the scene in which "Mr. Blonde" (Madsen) interrogates a cop to the tune of Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle With You". A warning to the squeamish to close their eyes for that one.
"Reservoir Dogs" is self-indulgent, and too much so. Several scenes have a marked impact and really stand out, while others are far too drawn out and self interested, rather than being the brief, meaningful encounters they should have been. The idea of telling the events non-chronologically works brilliantly however, as it did in "Pulp". This method ensures the narrative is full of surprises, and Tarantino astounds us with some wildly unexpected turns in his plot.
There's a groovy 70's soundtrack, some stunning cinematography and some reasonable editing to top off this amazing story.
Saturday, February 18, 1995 - Video