Movies

5 Jaw-Dropping Reasons Reservoir Dogs Is The Ultimate Debut Movie

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I love Quentin Tarantino. I mean, who DOESN’T?

Previously, I’ve discussed why “Pulp Fiction” stands out as Tarantino’s finest work (it’s challenging to surpass one of the ’90s top films) and shared my thoughts on my second favorite of his movies, “The Hateful Eight.” Now, let’s delve into my third preferred Quentin Tarantino film – his debut masterpiece, “Reservoir Dogs.

This film is undeniably outstanding as a debut piece, serving as the foundation for a successful career in directing, much like several esteemed directors before him. Here are some compelling explanations for this remarkable achievement.

Tarantino’s Style Is Evident Right Out Of The Gate

The first time I saw “Reservoir Dogs” left a lasting impression on me. Just like many other Quentin Tarantino enthusiasts, I initially discovered him through “Pulp Fiction,” which left me utterly astonished. It was during the period when “Jackie Brown” was being released, so he wasn’t yet known for movies like “Kill Bill” or “Inglourious Basterds.

Instead, he was simply recognized for his roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “Reservoir Dogs,” which, even in those days, were noteworthy. The impact that the latter movie made when it was released in 1994 should not be dismissed lightly.

Later on, I moved ahead, then retraced my steps, taking care to catch Jackie Robinson’s second (truly impressive, by the way; there’ll be no criticism from me about this film) and RD3.

Indeed, it’s worth noting that Tarantino’s distinctive flair, marked by sharp yet humorous dialogues, intense violence, and an unmistakable coolness, was vividly on display in his debut film.

Over time, I found myself growing increasingly captivated by it. Although the stories, characters, and actors varied in films such as Kill Bill, Django Unchained, and Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, his distinctive style was clearly present in RD’s work from the very start. To have such a fully-formed style at the beginning? That’s truly remarkable.

It’s Infinitely Cool, And Has Been Mimicked Multiple Times

To put it another way, this movie is quite appealing. It’s intriguing that one of Tarantino’s inspirations was Stanley Kubrick’s film, “The Killing.” While I agree it’s excellent, I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as “cool.

It’s my belief that the music in the movie often contributes significantly to its impact. To illustrate, is it possible that you can ever hear “Little Green Bag” by George Baker Selection without recalling the slow-motion walk at the beginning of Reservoir Dogs?

As a music enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about “Stuck in the Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel. This tune instantly transports me back to the chilling scene from the film, where Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) danced around menacingly before infamously slicing off a cop’s ear. Every time this song comes on the radio, it feels like I’m right there in that moment again.

The film has been copied numerous times, and it’s interesting that my first encounter with Quentin Tarantino was through an episode of The Simpsons. They were making fun of both Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, which led me to investigate this person further after I heard his name mentioned on Itchy and Scratchy.

The animated shows “Bob’s Burgers” and “Family Guy” have both paid tribute to the Michael Madsen dancing scene and Quentin Tarantino’s work respectively, with “Reservoir Dogs” often being the focal point. It’s fascinating that future generations, who may not be familiar with this movie, might get intrigued by it because of its cool appearance, even when it’s presented as a parody. Remarkably, this was Tarantino’s debut full-length film, making it all the more impressive.

Actors Like Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, And Michael Madsen Gave Career-Defining Performances

One reason I believe “Reservoir Dogs” is an outstanding first film is due to the notable actors it features. Although I recognized Tim Roth from “Pulp Fiction”, I was unaware of Michael Madsen’s identity. However, let me tell you something! After watching this movie, I became a fan of his and have been following his work ever since.

Apart from knowing Steve Buscemi casually, my familiarity with him stemmed primarily from watching the movie Fargo at that point in time. It was intriguing to observe a younger Buscemi in the film, and the “I don’t tip” scene is almost as memorable as his frequent utterance of “Why am I Mr. Pink?”, which I occasionally quote spontaneously.

As a cinephile, let me share that Chris Penn was more than just Sean Penn’s brother in the movie world; he was a notable figure with a pivotal role. Initially, I recognized him only by his famous sibling, but later on, I discovered that he had graced several films I had already watched, including Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece, “Rumble Fish,” “Pale Rider,” and undeniably, “Footloose.” Therefore, securing him for the role of “Nice Guy Eddie” was a significant coup for the director.

It’s widely agreed that Harvey Keitel, delivering one of his finest performances ever in “Reservoir Dogs,” is undeniably the standout star in this movie. His portrayal of Mr. White, who is both gruff and compassionate, adds depth to the film. The tension arises from his loyalty towards Mr. Orange (who turns out to be an undercover cop), a fact that others suspect but he refutes, making for a gripping narrative.

Indeed, it’s simply remarkable that you managed such outstanding performances in your debut film. It seems like Quentin Tarantino was an exceptionally skilled director, even in his early days.

It’s Mostly Set In Only A Few Locations, Which Must Have Been Very Cost Effective

Do you know what I also love? Great bottle movies, and Reservoir Dogs is one of the best ones.

In simpler terms, a “bottle movie” refers to a film where the majority of the action unfolds within a single location, like a warehouse hideout. While there may be other locations in the story (such as the diner at the start), these additional areas make up only a small portion of the total screen time. The most memorable example is the warehouse hideout, which plays a significant role throughout the film.

This spot is ideal for a first-time movie shoot as it proved to be quite economical. With an estimated budget of around $1.2 million, it’s likely that the film benefited from its primary setting being confined to a single environment.

It seems clear that the movie wouldn’t have been as engaging if it hadn’t been a Tarantino production. To be frank, without his signature style of dialogue, characters, and intense violence, this film might have been quite dull.

In awe of his craftsmanship, I find myself in admiration of this individual who has proven himself as both a virtuoso screenwriter and filmmaker. If one were to measure his contributions based solely on his mere two cinematic creations – namely, these masterpieces titled “This” and “Pulp Fiction” – I firmly believe that our conversations today would still revolve around him. The profound influence these two films have exerted upon the industry is simply indisputable.

Lastly, Tarantino Even Gets To Act In The Film

If Tarantino was limited to making just one film, and this was it, then he could boast, “I appeared in the movie I directed myself!

It’s quite unexpected that not many directors adopt this approach as extensively as Kevin Smith did with his debut film, “Clerks”. Interestingly, unlike Tarantino, Smith made himself a significant character in the movie, one that some viewers believe outshone others and eventually became popular enough to star in their own films (specifically Jay and Silent Bob).

In his initial movie, Quentin Tarantino displayed slightly less extravagance, yet included a cameo where he played Mr. Brown. The character has limited dialogue, making it intriguing that he appears among the cast.

As a cinephile, I must admit my admiration for this film runs deep. It’s challenging not to recognize Quentin Tarantino in any role he takes on, especially given his exceptional portrayal in “Pulp Fiction.” Yet, his appearance here serves as an additional allure, making this his debut film even more appealing. In a sense, he managed to savor the directorial experience while still being part of the action on-screen – truly a dream scenario for any director. Frankly, I can’t think of anything else that could make this cinematic journey any more enticing.

Would you agree with me that “Reservoir Dogs” is a phenomenal first film? I’m eager to know if it shares the same appeal for you.

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2025-05-10 16:56

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