G is for Grindhouse
On paper, Grindhouse should have been an easy success. Having both Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez make a film each and package it as one grindhouse feature should have equalled the easiest sell in recent film history. However, the film underperformed upon its released in the States in 2007 and both segments (Tarantinos Death Proof and Rodriquezs Planet Terror) were released separately as extended editions in Europe where they fared better. Despite the poor box-office, the films both received critical acclaim and are generally held in high regard for the use of the grindhouse concept and the duo's attempts to try something different to appeal to audiences. However, looking back on the experience, Tarantino has ranked his section of Grindhouse as being one of his lesser efforts and describes it as being
his worst film.
H is for Homage
Tarantino has always sought to pay homage with his films, be it the odes to the blaxploitation genre of the 1970s in Jackie Brown or Kill Bills tribute to Hong Kong martial arts films, Samurai cinema as well as the numerous other styles and genres he takes influence from in that film alone. Even in perhaps his finest film, Pulp Fiction, homage is a central aspect of the tone and design of the film, even with the title offering reference to pulp magazines that were popular up until the 1960s. What allows Tarantino to remain such a powerful presence in modern film is his ability to pay homage (without coming across as a rip-off or exploiter) while remaining one of the most unique and original writer/directors around.