Frustrating, but Still Excellent

Rating: 7/10 (6 January 2016)

Quentin Tarantino occupies a hollowed position in the current film world. The most obvious embodiment of auteur theory, his style is apparent to all and he is a conversation starter for cinephiles and pedestrians alike. Thus I think it fair that Tarantino is subjected to elevated standards. A three hour western-mystery with an intermission and defiling tastes might normally score points for audaciousness. But for the master, these are old tricks, and anything less would be simply disappointing. The Hateful 8 is a standard Tarantino affair, with insufficient execution in the face of overwhelming ambition. Calling a film "well made" is an overly broad catchall, but The Hateful 8 is well made. The snow and wind is simply beautiful to behold. Faces are iconic when framed against this backdrop. Virtually every player is a recognizable actor bringing a dash of familiarity to these characters. Their dialogue is not just snappy, but engaging and personality forming. All the pieces are there. Weakness begin emerging when everything comes together.
The plot is simple. A stagecoach carrying a criminal and three other passengers are snowbound at a rest stop. There are already a few tenants and suspicious circumstances. Figure it out. At least that's what Tarantino wants us to do. I would argue this task is impossible, ergo I was extremely frustrated. Maybe others were more astute than I. This aggravation is multiplied by the extremely slow pacing. My plot summary was obviously vague, but its lack of detail notes that no new characters or locations are introduced after act uno. So get comfortable, because you're stuck. This is a deliberate decision. Slow pacing could provide time to build suspense and enjoy characters. Not here unfortunately. Suspense requires information and Hateful is obstinately refuses to provide any. The roles might be well acted, but are also lacking compared to past Tarantino films. Bob the Mexican is not making anyone's list of favorite supporting characters. Instead, the burden of carrying this film primarily falls on Samuel L. Jackson. Some might find this a plus. This is Jackson's largest role in recent history. It is not the type of performance the Oscars like to reward, but it is certainly deserved. I laud his individual effort, but this type of plot cannot be carried by a lone champion no matter how strong. Additionally, the film sabotages his efforts when, 90 minutes in, Jackson provides much needed energy with a fearsome (and funny) soliloquy that is immediately dispersed with an intermission. Tarantino thought he created a piece of punctuation to conclude a long crescendo. I thought the doctor abandoned the patient after getting one good pulse.
For the three of you who got this far, you might be questioning how the rating matches the review. The truth is despite my frustrations I greatly enjoyed The Hateful 8. Honestly, I doubt this one film is going to change any opinion of the director for anyone. There will be walkouts for those offended by gore or naughty words. There will be those who cannot stop laughing as a women is mercilessly beaten. Love or hate, Tarantino elicits reaction. The Hateful 8 is no different, but does not reach the high bar set by its predecessors.