Most famous directors are known for a specific genre or a certain trademark they insert into every movie they make – whether it's special effects, the same actors in every movie, or something else utterly unique to the director. One such director is Quentin Tarantino. He is known for graphic violence and dialogue in his movies. Each of his films is a visceral experience that leaves the viewer wanting more. One such movie is "Reservoir Dogs".
From the beginning breakfast scene and the conversations that stem from it all the way to the final frame, "Reservoir Dogs" is a gritty, yet strangely beautiful, ride into the world of organized crime and what can happen when plans go awry. It begins with mob boss Joe Cabot and his son meeting six other men at a diner in order to discuss a heist. The conversations leading up to that are more comedic relief than anything, including Tarantino's character, Mr. Brown, attempting to explain what he thought "Like a Virgin" by Madonna was actually about and Mr. Pink explaining why he does not tip. But from there, things go south. During the heist, something goes wrong. The cops arrive and force the criminals to flee; they find refuge in an abandoned warehouse. While there, they begin to discuss the possibility of one of them being a police informant.
In true Tarantino fashion, other than occasional flashbacks, much of the movie takes place inside the warehouse. The movie is also dialogue-heavy as opposed to action, although the action scenes are captivating in a horrific way – like watching a car crash and being unable to turn away.The impact of those scenes make each one that much more powerful. The twist at the end leaves the viewer in awe. It is something no one saw coming.
"Reservoir Dogs" also shows off Quentin's brilliant use of character building. Each character, no matter how minor, has a distinct personality that is brought out through their dialogues and monologues. The viewer is guaranteed to have at least one favorite of the six men – whether it is the sadistic Mr. Blond or the sarcastic Mr. Pink.
This movie is a cult classic that never seems to lose the magic it had when it first came out in 1992. It is a masterpiece that throws genre stereotypes out the window. It is considered an independent film and still one of the best. Tarantino's focus on dialogue is also something that makes the movie what it is known for.
"Reservoir Dogs" deserves a perfect 10/10. Every aspect of the movie flows together to create something that keeps the viewer's eyes glued to the screen, even when the scene is almost too gruesome to watch. Each character is so well-crafted that the viewer feels like they actually know each character and can relate to them on a personal level. Combine that with the stark scenes and flashbacks that piece every storyline and character together and this movie truly deserves to be one of the top cult classics.