Reservoir Dogs Review (1992)

Reservoir Dogs Is Basically Breathless Mixed with the Heist Genre but lacking the philosophical depth of Breathless but making up for it with an interesting look at the heist genre. The film follows the aftermath and before math of a violent jewellery heist and follows the criminals who try to sniff the rat out. It can be said that the criminals try to find the rat out but that probably is more of a by-line and that action takes place only for like 10mins post the opening credits.

The majority of the film is basically a showcase for Tarantino’s then new style of combining great dialogue replete with pop culture references and profanity along with wide images of bloody violence. The influence of exploitation B movies is clearly visible by the extreme violence and profanity laden images of the film which are accompanied by songs that seem to be handpicked by QT for the film.

Despite a certain amateur feeling that the direction gives us, the writing is filled with surprising insights hinting at QT’s talent for it.

There is great conflict that exists on an intellectual level as the emotional connect is somewhat less, but even then the film creates interest in us. Mr. Blonde who is characterised as an extreme psychopath is also the most loyal and honest of the group whereas the cop, who is supposed to be the honest one is the one lying and cheating people. While overall there is some character writing which is quite good, certain characters, like Marvin Nash seem to be the way they are purely because of writer intent.

The mystery itself is somewhat half baked because after a point the mystery isn’t as important for the story but purely for the character’s ego. It isn’t something absolutely necessary to find about the mole. As a result the revelation of the mole is not as exciting as QT would have hoped for, as he seems to be going more for mood and characters which he is somewhat able to achieve.

Some Tarantino techniques are also visible here like nonlinear structure, the trunk shot, the “people talking being shown in 360 degree camera movement” shot or the split dioptre shot that again reappears in The Hateful Eight, which is a far better and deeper whodunit than what Reservoir Dogs achieves.

Having said that, the cast and comedy deliver this film which aspires greatness but settles in for good as Tarantino developed his style.