3. Stuck The Middle With You Stealers Wheel Reservoir Dogs
Much like The Wolfman provides the soundtrack to George Lucas 1973 film, American Graffiti, the soundtrack to Reservoir Dogs is provided by K-Billys (comedian Steve Wright) Super Sounds of the 70s. And thats where the comparison between the two films ends. The presence of K-Billy conveniently justifies using 70s music to soundtrack a modern day film, but Im willing to let Tarantino off, because he uses this to astonishing effect. Most people reading will be aware of the scene in question, and if you arent, stop reading, go and watch Reservoir Dogs then come back. Its not the fact that Mr Blonde (Michael Madsen) cuts off a police officers ear, but the way he does it, or more accurately, the way Tarantino does it. The scenes success is that a scene like this could easily be done just for cheap shock effect, but this is more than that. It is shocking, and its supposed to be, but its not cheap. The way the scene is constructed is almost balletic. As Mr White checks on an unconscious Mr Orange (Tim Roth), the camera cuts to a close up of the police officers bloodied, gagged, face. Hes scared, he doesnt know what Mr Blonde is about to do, but first time around, neither did we. Madson is unnervingly calm as he struts back and forward, clearly enjoying himself tremendously. The camera follows Madsen as he momentarily pauses in front of the cop before slashing at his face with a razor, the cop, just like the audience, is helpless. With many of Tarantinos musical moments, the scenes intensity will rise and fall with the music; the tempo of the scene will mirror that of the tune being played, but not this one. This is perhaps why it is so unnerving. The generic yet perfectly pleasant pop tune bobs along, unaware of the cop's plight. Tarantinos camera looks away as the cop screams yet the music blandly continues. When Madsen re-enters the frame his shirt is still a crisp white, unfazed by his actions he makes jokes, the act is sickening but Mr Blondes reaction to it more so. As a complete scene, this is one of Tarantinos tightest and most perfectly constructed, still shocking today and still one of his best. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGqB6JIUzBo