The Perfect Recipe

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 1999)

Apart from being the breathtaking cinematic experience that it is, True Romance doubles as a masterclass in movie production by selecting the very finest ingredients: cracking script, mouthwatering acting talent and stylish director.
Many have been quick to point out the Tarantino script and wealth of star actors but few have acknowledged the input of the film's director. Being a fellow Brit, I can't help but feel proud to know that one of the finest thrillers of the decade was directed by Tony Scott.
With this film, Scott proves he has the ability to handle wordplay as well as anyone. If there was ever any doubt before, merely breathe in the chilling, claustrophobic atmosphere he crafted in the Hopper/Walken scene. Scott was also able to mold memorable character moments for all the other cameo players. A feat all the more remarkable, considering the limited amount of screen time given to each actor. Even the Tom Sizemore character lingers in the mind, despite the frantic editing each moment he's on screen.
Unfortunately, I cannot acknowledge Tarantino (the director) with the same regard. His blistering screenplays all contain the trademark incisive repartee but Tarantino's directorial style caters too much to the scriptwriter. Tarantino merely shoots the actors performing to dialogue (similar to that of a parent videotaping his child in a school play). Considering the excellence of his writing and the ability of each actor, this approach almost works but an experienced director is needed to sustain a visual momentum. As a result of his one-dimensional approach, all three Tarantino films suffer from the occasional pocket of tedium. One example would be the Jack Rabbit Slim's scene in Pulp Fiction (an opinion also shared by the film's editor - Sally Menke). I even heard someone SNORING during my screening of Jackie Brown. Tony Scott may have the reputation of favouring style over content, but once given a quality script, he has the ability to carry it with precision timing as well as flair which leaves you feeling like you've seen an electrifying movie as opposed to an electrifying play.
This is not to disregard the fact that Tarantino has directed many classic movie moments but his forte remains behind the pen  not the megaphone. It can be argued that out of all his screenplays, the two most entertaining movies were True Romance and From Dusk Til Dawn. Neither of which were directed by Tarantino himself. As True Romance has shown, once you have the very best players working in their respective fields, the result can be awesome.