Classic Tarantino

Rating: 7/10 (17 June 2012)

**This review contains a plot summary, however, the ending is not included.
Reservoir Dogs is a film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino back in 1992. The films plot is about a group of six men that are of different backgrounds, with various wrap sheets, who are hired by a felonious boss named Joe Cabot, played by actor Lawrence Tierney. Joe and his son "Nice Guy Eddie", played by Chris Penn have accumulated a pack of misfit, criminal, and strangers from the lowest levels of society. Some of the men have done previous "jobs" for Joe Cabot; in fact, Mr. Blonde, played by Vic Vega, even served time for Joe. Through their proved loyalty, past experience, and willingness Joe chose each of these met to pull off a major heist of rare diamonds. To protect each other and themselves, each man's identity was to be kept a secret even for each other. This of course is why Joe gave each of the "Reservoir Dog's" color names. The movie is a combination of dramatic scenes before and after the heist. The heist itself is never shown. The move uses jump cuts to the past, which helps to give more insight into the character's and how/when they were hired for the job. These cuts from present to past, show what directly happened after the heist to specific characters. These jump cuts usually occur after one of the characters explained what they did or whom they killed after the spoiled heist.
The opening scene takes place in a restaurant with all eight men sitting in matching suits (all except Joe Cabot, and Eddie Cabot) drinking coffee prior to the heist. Although they are all strangers, and are about to attempt a valuable robbery, their crude conversation is focused on the subjects of tipping (or not tipping) waitresses and lyrical analysis of popular songs. The language and dialog content in this scene, and throughout the movie is vulgar, but with a touch of dark humor. The film then cuts to the opening credits and introduction of the actors as each character. This iconic scene, with all the men walking nonchalant together to their cars is one that is recognize with people who haven't even seen the movie. This scene is shot in slow motion and then for dramatic effect, freeze frames on each man's face. As mentioned previously the slow motion is for effect and the freeze frames are to introduce each of the different characters. The next scene of the film cuts to a mortally wounded Mr. Orange played by Tim Roth, who is thriving in bloody agony after being shot in the gut. At this time the viewer realizes the heist has passed and something when terrible wrong. The remainder of the film takes place in what appears to be an abandoned warehouse, which served as the rendezvous point. It is at this warehouse that the film unfolds and occasionally shows flashback so the men being hired by Joe and their reaction/actions after the heist. We only hear about what happened during the heist afterwords by the characters recollections. At the warehouse the first three men present, are Mr. Orange, Mr. White, played by Harvey Keitel, and Mr. Pink played by Steve Buscemi. Mr. White has been tending to the physical and emotional state of Mr. Orange while Mr. Pink frantically paces about stating that they had been set up. It is at this time that we learn Mr. Brown, played by Quentin Tarantino himself, had been shot in the head and killed. During this side we see the different personalities of the characters come alive. Mr. White seems to be a caring, nurturing personality, Mr. Pink seems hysterical and angry, and Mr. Orange dying in a pool of his own blood, makes us feel compassion for him. As the movie proceeds, Mr. Blonde, played by Michael Madsen, appears with a cop in his truck that he has held hostage. The men begin to beat the cop into giving them information on the "rat" in the group. Soon after the cop is savagely tortured and mutilated by Mr. Blonde. The ending is a must see, and will not be spoiled by this review
I believe the theme of this film is that life of crime gets you nowhere and nowhere can lead you quickly to your demise. This film shows many different kinds and degrees of criminals; some are cheap, some are affectionate, some are hysterical, and others are torturous psychopaths. In the end, no matter what type or caliber the criminal the world they live in and the people they associate with, may eventually consume them. Bad deeds to not go unpunished and in this film's case, all of the criminals some how managed to turn and punish each other, all because of a robbery gone-wrong.
The bizarre plot and characters of this film keep you guessing the entire time. The acting is stellar and truly makes you feel as if you are present in the film. The movie stay consistently morbid and gory, with touches of raw dark humor. Tarantino is known for his film's motifs, and gory violence. Many viewers who enjoyed Reservoir Dogs will surely enjoy other Tarantino hits like Pulp Fiction. These two movies are similar in many ways. Tarantino sets the bar high as far as film blood and gore, however, I would still recommend everyone to see at least one Tarantino movie in their life; they are like none other.