Talking Tarantino

This blog entry is dedicated to one of my absolute favourite film makers; Quentin Tarantino.  The man's name is synonymous with over-the-top violence, memorable characters and in many instances controversy.  What's that old saying? Controversy creates cash.  That is just what Mr. Tarantino has done for the last 20+ years in Hollywood.  He is solely responsible for some of the greatest films ever made while remaining fresh in movie-goers minds every time he puts out a new feature.  I truly believe he's one of the best screenwriters and directors of all time.

I should begin with stating my love for Quentin's dialogue.  At one time I was an aspiring screenwriter...let's just say I dabble in it now (Advertising kind of put that one on the back-burner). What draws me to screenwriting is that you have an outlet to play out whatever you want for your story.  Do you want to write about an epic sci-fi adventure? crime? horror?  The possibilities are endless.  I fell in love with the possibilities.  However, what truly captured me was what I could create when it came to my characters and more importantly what they would say.  I love writing dialogue.  Probably because it's something that allows me to think about what I would say in real life and bring that realism to a piece of fiction.  Then again sometimes it's fun to write something for a character that is nothing like you.  They can be the biggest badass in the world, or a crazed killer and whatever they say is up to you.

The point of my dialogue rant is that I personally believe that there are very few screenwriters that can make dialogue seem "real".  Or at least give off that effect.  Truth be told, not every screenwriter has to. A lot of films that are released are visual spectacles that rely on special effects or and good direction.  That's fine and it works.  I love a good spectacle.  However, Tarantino offers this alternative perspective that isn't given enough credit.  He writes in a way that makes you feel like you have had this conversation before.  He touches on taboo topics that we've thought about, but perhaps were too politically correct or timid to talk about.  For example...two of my favourite conversations to take place on film are in Tarantino flicks.  Please, do yourself a favour and watch the following clips.

 Exhibit 1:  Reservoir Dogs

I love this scene.  Not because Steve Buscemi is gracing my visual presence with his acting genius, but because this conversation...well, it's more of an argument is so real.  Two sides are presented about something that I'll admit...I've often thought of.  Now, I believe most people would side with the waitress getting a tip, but what can't be argued is that Mr. Pink's case is justified.  He makes valid points and every time I watch this scene I almost feel like I'm sitting with the group.  That's effective screenwriting.

Exhibit #2:  Pulp Fiction

It was really hard to pick just one clip from one of my favourite movies of all time to show an example of why I love Tarantino's dialogue, but I feel like this is the best example from Pulp Fiction.  These two fine actors (who I will not name because if you don't know who they are then you've most likely been living under a rock) are talking about foot massages!  That is the basis for a nearly five-minute scene, and yet it's written in a way that compels you to listen, make judgements and once again hear both sides.  You'll also find yourself siding with one of the two characters. My personal opinion...throwing Tony Rocky Horror out of a window for maybe massaging Mia Wallace's feet was a bit excessive.  

Perhaps it's time for me to climb out of Mr. Tarantino's ass.  I just can't help but continually be impressed by what he churns out.  Every one of his movie's is the same but different.  He has created his own style by borrowing a little bit from different auteurs throughout the years and has made some of the most entertaining, outlandish, hilarious, and intense films ever made.  His films are the films that I aspire to write and make.  I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.





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Talking Argo

This past weekend I had to opportunity to pay a visit to the movie theatre, so being me I obviously capitalized on it.  The choices were Lincoln or Argo.  I want to see both before the Academy Awards, but seeing as Argo just won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Drama it seemed like a clear indicator that that's the film I should see before the big night. On a side note, it was my birthday a little over a week ago and I got a Cineplex gift card and there's nothing quite like a free movie (at least on my end).

For those of you who might not know, Argo (directed and starring Ben Affleck) is about a CIA operative that sets up an elaborate plan to rescue six American diplomats stranded in Iran during civil unrest in 1980.  The plan you ask?  Set up a fake movie location scout with the intention of passing off the six would-be American prisoners as a Canadian film crew in order for them to get back home.  All the better is that this isn't just some hollywood screenwriter's idea for a good movie; this actually happened.  I was yet to be born, but from what I understand this was a major event in the late 70's and early 80's.  More close to my heart is the fact that the Canadian government played a major role in the rescue of the Americans.

Argo proved to be a compelling story about an incredibly tense situation and how one wild idea could either pay off or everything could go terribly wrong.  Affleck was successful in bringing this historical event to the big screen after the case itself was declassified in the 90's.  The film stands as an interesting and insightful political thriller that any citizen of the United States or Canada should go out of their way to see.  I say this because unlike a lot of films put out today, Argo ultimately sends the audience home with the positive message of how governments came together in the attempt to rescue these people.  There are moments of seriousness, hilarity, tenseness and relief as any good film should manipulate the viewers emotions to feel for the characters on screen.

After seeing the film, Argo seems like an odd choice for the Academy to notice and if it hadn't just won a major movie award I would say it would be a long shot to win on Oscar night.  Not because it's inferior to the other pictures nominated, but because it doesn't seem like the type of film usually recognized with the prestigious golden man.  I've now seen only three of the nine pictures nominated in the Best Motion Picture category, but if I was to just judge based off of the three I've seen then it should be a tough race.  The diehard Tarantino fan in my wants to say Django Unchained should take it and my undying crush for my future wife Jennifer Lawrence makes me want Silver Linings Playbook to win.  However Ben Affleck was able to put together an excellent ensemble of actors and actresses for a film that puts the often criticized governments of Canada and the U.S. in a positive light, and for that reason it wouldn't be a crime for him and the crew to be recognized for the superb storytelling displayed in Argo.










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Introduction

Ever since I can remember I have loved the movie going experience.  Not necessarily the movie going experience, but movies in general. Hense, why I chose this topic to blog about.  This blog isn't really going to be reviews, but a compilation of thoughts regarding films both new and old as well as events that are surrounding the film industry.  In short, this blog will be an outlet for me to talk about what is interesting me currently within the industry. 

Before I start blogging, I figure I should begin this blog with a little introduction as to who I am.  My name is Jeff Glockling and a current student at Sheridan College taking the Advertising & Marketing Management three-year program.  As I write this, I'm currently in my second year (second semester).  This blog is specifically for learning how to use Google Analytics, however I've decided to blog about film because I consider it my true passion.  Yes, I know that passion can come across as somewhat cheesy, but I'm just telling the truth.

It all started with "The Lion King".   I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of Disney movies.  In fact, out of all the movies I went to the theatre to see during my early childhood I can count about five Disney movies I wanted to see or was actually taken to see. However, what other movie were my parents going to take their kid to see at two-years-old? Yeah, I know, they were pretty ballsy to take a two-year-old to see a movie.  I don't particularly remember watching the movie, but I remember something that I haven't seen since; the curtains being pulled back to reveal the silver screen.  I often wonder why they don't do that many more. I believe something clicked that day.  Something that would last a lifetime. A feeling that every time I enter a theatre or popped a VHS, DVD, or Blu-Ray Disc into their respective machines, I could escape into another world for a few hours.  All of my insecurites, concerns, and stresses would leave me as I watched what unraveled on-screen.

I don't consider myself some sort of film elitist and I hope you don't either.  I try not to over-analyze what I see on the screen, but appreciate what the director, screenwriter, and cast has put together.  Although I do enjoy connecting the dots for the more "intellectual" films out there, I can draw the line between an art-house film like "Black Swan" and a popcorn pure-entertainment flick like "The Avengers".  Both are great films in their respective approaches.  What I'm ultimately hoping to bring to this blog is that happy medium of opinions or views with regards to various movies and industry trends.  If you're interested then I'm hoping you'll read on. 

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