It's safe to say that most people reading this would be familiar with the name Quentin Tarantino, especially if they are regulars on the site. Even those who rarely watch films outside of summer blockbuster fanfare know the name, if only as "some film guy". As a film buff and keen observer of pop culture, I've been wondering what makes the name ring. I've even heard the term 'Tarantino-esque' used in conversation, so I thought I would include a few reasons as to why he seems to be the most exposed and (in?)famous director currently working in Hollywood.
5. Filmography
This is a bit obvious, as is my reasoning, but that also explains the reasons for his success. Following Pulp Ficiton and Tarantino's explosion into the cinematic stratosphere, more and more people began to watch his films. Even those a full generation later are familiar with the quotes and flourishes of his films, most commonly Pulp Fiction. Kill Bill and Inglorious Basterds are the films most well-known amongst my generation (I am 18), and while Pulp Fiction still prevails, it acts as more of a gateway to those with a burgeoning interest in films. The reason for his widespread success with most demographics is simple; he makes intelligent movies that speak to people with language they understand. To put it shortly, Tarantino makes films that people want to see. I never knew I wanted to see Uma Thurman slicing 88 crazy gangsters with a samurai sword until I saw Kill Bill Vol 1 in 2007, but when I did...let's just say I wore out a thumb on rewind while I called all my friends to tell them how awesome my day was. And Inglorious Basterds; while historical fiction may seem to be far from the realm of a teenager's tastes, I did not know a single person - kid or adult - who didn't enjoy it immensely. It applies for all of his films. Stylistically and practically, behind the camera and beyond it, Tarantino injects as much personality into his films as possible. It's lucky for us that he must be an inherently cool guy.