2. Reservoir Dogs
Shot Types: We are shown longshots of 5 men dressed in black suits walking down a street
with cigarettes in their mouth. The suits imply that they are serious characters, the themes that
are introduced within the opening suggests that this could be a crime/gangster film. The suits and
the sunglasses reinforce this idea. The camera cuts to a close-up shot of each of their faces
and the on screen text introduces 8 of the actors names this is when we find out that the director
himself is an actor in his film. A tracking long shot is then used showing the back of the men as
they continue to walk and the title of the film is introduced.
Sound: The opening of Reservoir dogs begins with a voiceover
which is the main element of the opening sequence as it is
famous for being dialogue-driven . The soundtrack used is
by George Baker – Little Green Bag, it is an upbeat rock song
which talks about drugs this connotes that these men possibly
sell drugs for a living. This introduces the themes of gang
crime/violence which Quentin Tarantino uses in his style of film making.
Editing Of titles: The titles of the actors names are superimposed over the 3-5 second shots of
them. The editing allows them all to have equal amounts of screen time which suggests that they
are all significant to the narrative and they consider each other as equals and friends.
The titles that are shown towards the end are not shown with any visuals they are
shown in a list form which scroll down one after the other.
Colour: The colours used for the font of the titles is yellow as it stands out against a black
screen.
3. Pulp Fiction
Shot Types: The first shot is a dictionary definition of the word ‘Pulp’ and the second definition
sets the tone of the film straight away. Tarantino uses the same thing in the opening of
Grindhouse. We are then shown a mid-shot introducing the two protagonists (male & female)
having a conversation in a diner. A similar scene is also used in the opening of Reservoir
Dogs when they are in the coffee shop.
Sound: The conversation between the characters lets the audience know that they are in fact
criminals although they appear to look ordinary. They talk about an armed robbery which they
then carry out as the man gets out the gun and the woman threatens the people in the diner
this connotes violence and crime illustrating that this is a film with the same genre as
‘Reservoir Dogs’. It also presents the woman as being just as dominant and equally
responsible for the robbery as the man .The soundtrack that is used is ‘Misirlou’ by Dick Dale
which is a Rock/pop song.
Editing of titles: The directors name is shown before the main
title which is how it is also presented in ‘Reservoir Dogs’. Then the
title emerges in a large bold font and takes up the entire shot
It then slowly zooms out, as the actors names slowly appears superimposed over the title they
last for about 3-5 seconds. Then the co-stars names appear again in the form of the list
scrolling down quite quickly. The co-stars names do not stay on the screen for as long as the
main actors which suggests that they are less important.
Colour: Iconic yellow lettering for the font is used once again in this
opening.
4. Kill Bill Volume 1
Shot types: The first shot is of a quote from the old proverb which is similar to ‘Pulp Fiction’ and
‘Grindhouse’ but in this opening the quote replaces the dictionary definition. The quote is a
commonly used proverb which sets the tone for the rest of the film . It also implies that revenge is
the key theme. A black and white close up shot of a bride is used, she has blood and bruises on
her face, she is presented as a stereotypical victim. A tracking shot is also used to show a pair of
polished black shoes walking slowly across the floor to build suspense.
Sound: Diegetic sound of heavy breathing and the footsteps
of shoes on a wooden floor. Tarantino uses diegetic sound
which matches what the audience are shown in most of his openings.
There is also a sudden gunshot which is used to shock the audience.
During the titles Nancy Sinatra – Bang Bang (my baby shot me down)
begins to play.
Editing of titles: The titles are simplistic, it is a classic white on black. The directors name appears
this time acknowledging the fact that this is ‘The 4th film by Quentin Tarantino’
followed by the main actors name written in bold lettering which signifies that she is more important
than the other cast members. The title of the film is shown at the same time as the gunshot which is
appropriate since it is called ‘Kill Bill’ .
5. Signature Style
Quentin Tarantino has created an original unique style that is his own, he combines styles from his
favourite genres of film into innovative mash-ups. This makes him one of more recent respected
auteurs. The genres of his films are usually action, crime, western, horror, and war. Tarantino’s
most frequently used themes in his films are:
• Violence
• Crime
• Revenge
• Redemption
His representation of woman:
• Dominant
• Strong
• Dangerous
• and equal to the men
His most used Cinematography consists of:
• The trunk & hood POV shot (low angle shot)
• Close ups
• Black and white
• Establishing shots
Tarantino likes to use the same actors in his films. For example Samuel L Jackson has acted in 5 of
his films. He also likes to star in his own films. He tends to use classical rock n roll music in his
films. Music is an important part of his film making style.
