Do you remember the first time you saw Reservoir Dogs? I got the VHS from my local library and waited until after my parents went to bed.As I pushed it into the VCR, I knew I was about to be transported into a seedy world of crime...and then the opening scene still blew my mind.I can't even imagine what it was like seeing it at Cannes, and being introduced to the world of talky Tarantino movies that seemed to function in a reality of all their own.It was eight guys sitting around a diner table, picking apart the subtext of Madonna’s "Like a Virgin" and debating the ethics of tipping.It was dialogue crackling and the camera pushing in and creating tension.But what actually makes it iconic?Let's dive in. - YouTubewww.youtube.com1. The Death of the "Expository" DialogueIn most heist movies, you start with an opening caper, or you get scenes where someone wants to tell you all the obstacles in everyone's way.But Tarantino wrote this movie to make it. And he couldn't afford any of that.So he let these people talk, and we got even closer to them right away. He established character through personality, not plot. By the time they leave that diner, you don't know their real names or the plan, but you know:Mr. Pink is a pedantic tightwad.Joe Cabot is the benevolent but firm father figure.Mr. Blonde is a low-key psychopath (the way he nonchalantly messes with Mr. White).2. The Power of the "Circular" CameraIn a talking scene,...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Yesterday