I saw Tarantino's new film DEATH PROOF (previously half of the compulsory double-bill THE GRINDHOUSE) at an industry screening a couple of days ago. My first and overwhelming response was to want to tell Quentin "Okay, the 70's were cool - GET OVER IT!". In many ways it's an example of a very talented filmmaker getting sidetracked into his own personal obsessions. Sure, a homage to films of a previous era can be fun once in a while, but it shouldn't be the mainstay of your career, unless you want to fade into obscurity. Given his love for obscure movies maybe that is what he wants?

As for the film itself, if you like Tarantino's brand of characterful dialogue, peppered with pop references, you'll be well served. In fact the first third is so dialogue-heavy it almost feels like a stage play. This is then interupted by a quick burst of violent action followed by more protracted dialogue scenes and topped off with a car chase. Then the film stops. All of these constituent elements are well-handled and many very entertaining, but I couldn't claim it to add up to to a coherent film. His technique of beating up the film stock and putting in false edits, as if the print had broken in the projection booth, is amusing for about five minutes, then gets tiresome, then rather annoying.

All in all, I'd say it might be a treat for die hard QT fans who love spotting cross references to his other films, but to everyone else it's a curiosity at best.


Guy Ducker
Writer / Director APERTURE