"... and then, out of nowhere, there were these f*ck*ng vampires!" says anyone who has ever recounted the plot of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's barmy crime-turned-horror flick, From Dusk 'Till Dawn. It's true that the Tarantino-scripted story takes a dramatic left turn about halfway through the movie but for some reason, this is seen as a flaw rather than a refreshingly bold move against archetypal story narrative. The story sees two brothers (played by George Clooney and Tarantino himself) who, after robbing a bank, take Harvey Keitel and family hostage in order to cross the border into Mexico. Unknowingly, the group seek refuge at a sultry club that happens to be a coven for violent and bloodthirsty vampires. Whilst not directed by Tarantino, the film embraces many of his signature traits; including his witty dialogue and penchant for violence. Unfortunately, it seems that the film's boldest moments are also its most inhibiting. The change in tone does not sit well with many people, and it's a credit to the engaging first act as a crime thriller that audiences feel so alienated when the goal posts are shifted. A film should not be discredited for taking risks however, and people need to remember that act one's bank robbers and act two's vampires make up two halves of a very compelling and original story.
