Audacious Tarantino western epic is bloody, but astonishingly engaging

Rating: 9/10 (6 January 2016)

Quentin Tarantino began his career in the early 90s with the raw crime-thriller 'Reservoir Dogs', but it wasn't until his second film, the massively acclaimed black comedy 'Pulp Fiction' when he really took audiences nationwide by storm. After a string of widely popular films, with the exception of the grindhouse thriller 'Death Proof' which is in my opinion, his weakest film; this largely influential director takes a bold step into the western genre with this audacious western epic 'The Hateful Eight'. This film set in post-Civil War Wyoming, follows bounty hunter John Ruth (played by Kurt Russell), also known as "The Hangman", who travels the snowy lands on a stagecoach manned by six horses, to an old town of Red Rock to turn in a notorious murderer Daisy Domergue (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh). He encounters former Civil War veteran Major Marquis Warren (played by Samuel L. Jackson), another bounty hunter who is carrying three dead bounties to turn in, and later Chris Mannix (played by Walton Goggins) who claims to be upcoming sheriff of Red Rock. When a wild blizzard hits, these people take shelter in an old cabin where they meet cowboy Joe Gage (played by Michael Madsen), English handyman Oswaldo Mobray (played by Tim Roth), old Mexican Bob (played by Damien Bichir), and former Civil War general Sandy Smithers (played by Bruce Dern). With everyone unfamiliar with each other, tension become increasingly heated when each of them revealed not to be who they say they are.
This film dealt with some significant issues during development. One of which in particular began when the script was unexpectedly leaked online. This originally prompted the frustrated Tarantino to cancel the project and instead, publish it into a novel. Eventually, the director overcame the frustration and moved on with the project; and the result was a highly entertaining western film shot in classic 70 mm cinematography. This film is shot using rare 70 mm Ultra Panavison camera-work which has not been used since the 1960s, with Khartoum (1966) being the last known film using his camera. What becomes of this unique cinematography is a luxury widescreen picture to a powerful view of the cabin in which serves almost entirely as the film's setting. With the film set in one room for a large portion of the time, it reduces the sense of claustrophobia.
Quentin Tarantino takes advantage of his typical filmmaking style in what maybe his boldest film yet. Filled with racially charged dialogue and colorful language, the film illustrates authentic racial tensions between the characters, and the concepts pays faith to the racial discrimination that ran rampant during the Civil War era and years after. Although set as a western epic, this film manages to squeeze a few elements of comedy in the mix, with the use of gallows humor that tends to shock, but at the same time, amuse the audiences. The dialogue is somewhat similar to the dialogue in 'Django Unchained' with its heavy and shameless use of the N-word, and is definitely enough to make some viewers uncomfortable and potentially turn them off. Those who have grown fans to Tarantino's previous works, however, will come with less shock. Now as the plot revolves around distinct characters and the tensions that arise between them, the film is very talky (even more so than 'Inglourious Basterds') and there are some lengthy conversations that drive the film for most of the first half. But thanks to the sharply written dialogue by Tarantino, the film moves a solid pace to where the three-hour runtime feels engaging and less of a boredom- fest. Then the second half, following a short intermission and overture, turns into a bloodbath. Scene after scene, this half features some gruesome violent scenes, some of which are a bit stomach- turning, with an intent of startling viewers, especially those who aren't used to Tarantino's style. The entire second half is where the plot takes a turn to a "who done it". During this time, viewers are dragged into shocking revelations by about the characters, which gradually heightens the suspense. Yes, this part does a feel like a homage of 'Reservoir Dogs', but at the same time, its surprisingly engaging.
With such a star-studded cast, viewers can surely root for some powerful performances, and as you might expect, these performances are tremendous. Samuel L. Jackson who is a veteran to Quentin Tarantino's works, gives what is probably his boldest performance since his career-defining role in 'Pulp Fiction'. Kurt Russell who plays the ruthless bounty hunter, is quite powerful in his rather shocking role. Although he played the sadistic stunt driver in the grindhouse flick 'Death Proof', it is nowhere near as memorable as his prickly character here. Jennifer Jason Leigh who is new face to Tarantino's work is quite fascinating, and by the second half, shockingly nasty. But this does not deny that she is quite engaging in her role as the only female in the "hateful eight". Tim Roth and Michael Madsen, collaborators in Tarantino's debut film "Reservoir Dogs' are strong here, as so is Bruce Dern, Damien Bichir, and Walter Goggins who are also new faces. Along with these tour-de- force performances, is a shocking appearance of an actor who many may never have would be seen in a Tarantino picture; and I would rather not give him away. It is hard to say which actor would receive an Oscar nod since most of them (if not all) are quite memorable and dedicated to their roles.
The Hateful Eight is a genuine demonstration that Quentin Tarantino still has the incredible directorial caliber he is known for today. Thanks to a decent screenplay, character writing, stellar performances, and a powerful direction; this earns a spot as one of the best films of the year, at least in my opinion. It is astonishingly entertaining and a must-see, especially for those who are Tarantino fanatics.