This streaming crime thriller is Tarantino’s most underrated thriller

Quentin Tarantino hits 1000. He hasn’t made a bad film yet. So the bar is particularly high when it comes to discussing his output. When people talk about the director’s filmography, they probably touch on this pulp Fiction, Reservoir dogsAnd Once upon a time in Hollywood. Rightly so. All three are great films. But that’s how it is Jackie Brown. Yet people rarely talk about its effectiveness. It’s as if this 1997 attempt was lost in the shuffle.

Jackie Brown is considered a successful adaptation of the novel on which it is based (Rum punch by Elmore Leonard) and shows perhaps the best performance of Pam Grier’s career. Not to mention, the legendary actress is supported by an ensemble of A-list stars. The film takes its cue from the exploitation pictures of the 70s and mimics the look and feel of those films, but Tarantino adds depth to the proceedings with well-developed characters and a twisted narrative that leads to a brilliantly executed twist ending.

The setup for Jackie Brown It’s going ok:

Jackie Brown (Grier) is a flight attendant who supplements her income by doing odd jobs for gun smuggler Ordell (Samuel L. Jackson). When she is caught by the authorities, Jackie finds herself in a difficult position. If she becomes an informant, her life is in danger. If she refuses to cooperate with law enforcement, she will definitely face prison time. So Jackie devises a plan that will ensure she gets exactly what she needs while avoiding prison. Bravo, Jackie. Bravo.

In adapting the novel for the screen, Tarantino moves the action from Florida, where the novel is set, to California. This subtle change makes a big difference. It gives the film a gritty quality that would have been harder to achieve if the action was set in the Sunshine State. The action in and around Compton gives the film a harder edge. Tarantino combines this with the nervous dialogue and fast-talking characters that his cinematic work is known for.

Tarantino designed the film as a loving homage to the exploitation cinema of the 70s.

Some of the characters look, act, dress and talk like they’ve stepped out of a grindhouse picture from the era’s heyday. Samuel L. Jackson’s Ordell is a prime example of this. His behaviors, speech patterns, and style are reminiscent of Blaxploitation efforts of years past.

The music and font of the title sequence also add to the retro feel of the presentation. Perhaps most obviously, Pam Grier, who plays the title character, pays homage to one of her most famous film roles by sharing a last name with the legendary Foxy Brown. Additionally, we have exploitation mainstay Sid Haig (Spider baby) appeared in a cameo appearance as a criminal judge.

In true Tarantino style, the director takes certain aesthetic influences from films that inspired his cinematic journey and then infuses the picture with his signature style. The narrative itself has almost nothing in common with films like Foxy Brown. Instead of avenging a loved one and seeking vigilantism, we are dealing with a woman who uses her intellect to stay one step ahead of those who wish to harm her.

Although the narrative of Jackie Brown has little in common with the plot of Foxy Brownthere are certain similarities between the two characters. Grier plays both with effortless cool. In both pictures she is rarely at a loss for words and maintains her composure even under extreme pressure. Furthermore, she is a strong woman who can stand up to men who wish her harm. Jackie is resourceful and solution-oriented, which makes her a compelling lead indeed.

Tarantino adds a level of intensity to the proceedings by detailing how Ordell deals with loose ends like Jackie in the film’s first act. He lures one of his subordinates, at great risk of converting the state’s evidence into a false sense of security, and then cold-bloodedly renounces him. After seeing this, we know what’s at stake for the title character. This means that it is behind the 8 ball from the jump. Since Jackie is an engaging and well-developed leading lady, we have reason to care about her well-being. It’s both captivating and harrowing to watch her use her understanding of human nature and her ability to think on her feet to get out of one jam after another. It’s captivating to see how she outsmarts almost everyone she comes into contact with.

The film lies at the interface between arthouse and grindhouse.

Tarantino elevates the picture beyond simple exploitation fare by providing fleshed-out characters with meaningful interpersonal relationships. The dynamic between Jackie and Max (Robert Forster) is particularly important. His undying devotion to her is enchanting and gives the viewer good reason to care deeply for them both.

As for the characters at the heart of the story, I guess Tarantino had the vision to make some of the key characters go against type. Bridget Fonda (who has since retired from acting) gets the chance to delve a little deeper. I haven’t seen her as an actress with much range in the past. But she can do something completely different here. She seems to have a lot of fun playing an ambitious stoner with a penchant for career criminals. Robert De Niro is another main character who can exceed expectations. Mind you, he is very versatile. But his roles as villains are usually confident and powerful. Here he plays Louis and is gentle, insecure and reserved. It’s like he’s a little uncomfortable in his own skin. De Niro and Fonda play off each other well and have plenty of quality banter.

Some of these jokes are truly hilarious. There are moments of black comedy that are undeniably funny, but some of the productions are so macabre that it almost feels wrong to laugh. Tarantino peppers these scenes between more serious exchanges, giving us an occasional break from the intensity of the narrative.

Despite what the film has to offer, some see it Jackie Brown as one of Tarantino’s lesser efforts. I couldn’t disagree more. The cast, performances, narrative twists and moments of black comedy make the film a bright spot in the Oscar-winning director’s filmography and a feature you shouldn’t sleep on. If you want to give the movie a try, you can stream it on The Roku Channel at the time of writing.

Tags: Jackie Brown Quentin Tarantino

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