For decades, Quentin Tarantino has been hailed as one of the best, if not the best, writers working in the film industry ever since his groundbreaking work on "Pulp Fiction", which made him a household name. Since then, he's gone on to make critically acclaimed works such as "Kill Bill", "Inglorious Bastards" and "Django Unchained (his most recent film), and now, his latest film "The Hateful Eight", which we feared would never see the light of day, has finally come. For those of you who do not know, "The Hateful Eight" almost didn't make it to the silver screen after one of the drafts of the script was leaked online and spread like wildfire. Tarantino originally scrapped the project and later directed a live read of the leaked script at the United Artists Theater in Los Angeles, which eventually led him to change his mind and go forward with the film's production. It's been almost 2 years after the initial leak of the film and "The Hateful Eight" is finally playing in theaters in 70MM. So, how is Tarantino's last cinematic achievement?
"The Hateful Eight" stars an ensemble cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Bruce Dern and is directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film is set in post-Civil War Wyoming as 8 strangers find themselves trapped in a lodge up in the mountain sides and each person's true motives are revealed one by one. Now, when one sees a Tarantino film, they go in expecting masterclass filmmaking mixed with a terrific sense of humor and violence, well thankfully "The Hateful Eight" is another instant classic from the master of dialogue. All of the trademark Tarantino-isms are in this film and more that's boasted by a spectacular cast, classic-style cinematography, a breathtaking score, impeccable writing and sharp direction. Each of these 8 characters are memorable, likable, despicable and ruthless; characters you come to know and love from Tarantino films. And in typical Tarantino fashion, it's very hard to place this film in a certain genre. It's a Western style mystery film while also being a comedy and a drama, which honestly makes the film a whole lot more charming, like the famed director's other works.
Samuel L. Jackson as Major Marquis Warren (a.k.a. The Bounty Hunter) is simply amazing and is definitely Oscar worthy. Warren might be the best character Jackson has played since Jules Winnfield from "Pulp Fiction". Every single note this man needed to hit was done perfectly as he created one of the most interesting, likable and memorable characters of 2015. From his spine-chilling monologue in the middle of the film to his methodic mind at work, Jackson as Warren was an amazing sight to see from beginning to end.
Who would've thought that Kurt Russel would graduate from "Furious 7" to "The Hateful Eight" in the year of 2015. After working with Tarantino previously with "Death Proof" back in 2007, Russel feels, once again, at home with the director's unique style of filmmaking. Russel plays John Ruth (a.k.a. The Hangman), another bounty hunter who, like Warren, just exudes charm and charisma. He is cool, witty, funny, likable [again] and a complete badass, who is worthy of being listed amongst the other amazing characters from Tarantino's other films.
Now, outside of Jackson as Warren, I believe that the stand out performance in "The Hateful Eight" was from the magnificent Jennifer Jason Leigh who played Daisy Domergue (a.k.a. The Prisoner). Out of the entire ensemble cast, she was the most surprising revelation amongst these top quality actors. Her manic, almost animalistic, features shine brightly through her insane performance as she awaits for the sealed fate that is waiting for her.
Out of all the amazing actors in "The Hateful Eight", I was most excited about seeing Tim Roth back in another Quentin Tarantino film. It's been a while since they collaborated together so I was extremely delighted to see him working with the master himself again, and it was worth it. Roth plays Oswaldo Mobray (a.k.a. "The Little Man") who is a creepily charming British hangman who chews up every line of dialogue that comes out of his mouth. The execution and delivery of each and every line is just spot on and is just amazing to see unfold in the film. His quick witted and polite remarks that are sprinkled all around the film just adds so much layer and character to the plot, which makes his Mobray one of the more unique characters in "The Hateful Eight".
Last seen working with Tarantino on "Django Unchained", Walton Goggins returns to work with the director again as Chris Mannix (a.k.a. The Sheriff) and is at the top of his game. Playing a drastically different character from the slimy Billy Crash from "Django Unchained", Mannix is a man who means well but may not get the respect of the other 7 members so quickly, but through the plot's twist and turns, and Goggins' stellar performance, the character of Mannix becomes more essential to the story and forms into the underdog of "The Hateful Eight", in terms of character development and the actor slowly outshining the other cast members. Goggins, never stop working for Tarantino and never stop wearing a cowboy hat. It suits you well.
Although I knew all of the main cast members of "The Hateful Eight", Demián Bichir managed to slip passed my radar with his predominantly Mexican filmography, which allowed me to observe his performance with completely fresh eyes. Bichir as Bob (a.k.a. The Mexican) was one of the more interesting choices in the film that could have made or broke this film. Thankfully, Bichir was able to bring a certain amount of gravitas to his character and some good comedic timing. After this, Ill d'finitely will check out your other films, Bichir! Promise!
Michael Madsen has been out of the acting game for quite a long time now. Sure, he has been in films but nothing of note. Not since "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" has he had a role this big and I'm pleasantly surprised by his role and also extremely glad that Tarantino was able to bring Madsen back for a much bigger project. Madsen as Joe Gage (a.k.a The Cowpuncher) is that character we all know and love from the classic Western films. A man of few words, doesn't tolerate people's bullshit and has that amazing gravely voice. Madsen really did feel comfortable as his role and brought that classic Tarantino performance once again for us all to marvel at. Thank you, Madsen, for not half-assing your performance in "The Hateful Eight".
Bruce Dern, a man who has worked with a slew of legendary directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Roger Corman, Sydney Pollack and Francis Ford Coppola, returns to Tarantino world, after briefly appearing for a small role in "Django Unchained", as General Sanford "Sandy" Smithers (a.k.a. The Confederate) and brings of stubbornness and tradition in his role in the film, which contrasts greatly with the other 7 extremely energetic and rumbustious group of actors. As the oldest actor in the film, Dern holds his grounds against the other cast members by delivering a sense of power and authority over the bounty hunters and murderers, which really does balance out the crazy of the whole scenario. There is one scene in particular in the middle of the film where Dern and Jackson have a fantastic scene together, which I won't spoil here. Dern was captivating as his character, Sandy, and we appreciate every second he's on screen.
As you would expect, great acting and great writing are guaranteed in a Tarantino film. This one in particular goes back to Tarantino's filmmaking roots of having the story's location stay in one particular place for the majority of the film, much like his directorial debut, "Reservoir Dogs". The writing on "The Hateful Eight" really does make you feel cold while you're sitting in the theater as the impeccable timing of the actors and the screenplay deliver a claustrophobic and yet hilariously violent scenes that will have you on the edge of your seats until the film closes. It truly is a compliment to a film's screenplay when it allows the audience to really feel like you are in a certain place. While sitting in the theater, I felt goosebumps crawling all over my arms as I watch these fully fleshed out characters in the film, shiver from the sheer cold of the freezing Wyoming winters. The location of the film was so well utilized and Tarantino's skills as a writer only amplifies the emotions all the characters are going through in that very moment. We feel all of the struggles and predicaments these strange and memorable characters are going through and it is all because of the Tarantino's Oscar-worthy screenplay.
Throughout the years, Tarantino has really progressed as a filmmaker, starting from cult-following indie films, like "Reservoir Dogs", to larger Hollywood films, "like Django Unchained". With "The Hateful Eight", we can really see his progression as a filmmaker and as a storyteller. The way Tarantino utilizes each shot to move the story forward with seamless and executed with masterful technique and style. And although Tarantino is usually against creating original music for his films, this time he was able to collaborate with the legendary Ennio Morricone to create an eerie, somber, fun and thrilling soundtrack that I will have stuck in my head for days. It really is amazing to see all the attention to detail the film showcases as we, as the audience, as fully sucked into this warped world that Tarantino has created. The cinematography done by Robert Richardson, who has previously worked with Tarantino on "Kill Bill", "Inglorious Basterds", and "Django Unchained", has shot the film on 65 mm film, using Ultra Panavision 70 and it looks incredible. The extreme widescreen aspect ratio of the film (2.76:1) harkens back to the classic looks of "Ben Hur" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World", which obviously gives "The Hateful Eight" a more cinematic and classical look. However, the most interesting choice was to add an opening overture and an intermission in the middle of the film, which marks the first time I've ever seen a new film with an actual overture and an intermission. It was a surreal experience for me as my mind traveled back in time to the late 50's and early 60's. Tarantino clearly knows how to make a cinematic experience that is both classic, stylish and traditional.
How much more praise can I give this film? It really was nice to finally see a masterpiece on the big screen again. Besides "Mad Max: Fury Road", "The Hateful Eight" was the first film that really did 'wow' me. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire picture while also laughing my ass off after every amusing quip. Tarantino is back in full force as usual and brings us another instant classic that makes up for all the production troubles the film has faced, even before the film started filming. It was worth seeing on the big screen and I'm extremely glad Tarantino decided to not scrap the project and start from scratch. The acting is perfect, the screenplay is beyond amazing, the cinematography is gorgeous, the score is haunting yet beautiful and the set/costume design are spot on. Everything about this film is nearly perfect. I would give "The Hateful Eight" at 10/10, so please, go out and see the film now in 70MM. It is a one-of-a-kind film that needs to be experienced on the big screen.
Go see it in 70MM today!
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