Reservoir Dogs (R)

Every star director has to start somewhere and for trendsetting artist Quentin Tarantino, the debut was the 1992 independent cult phenomenon “Reservoir Dogs.” With a score of bloodshed and foul language, and a plot divulged via a non-linear storyline, “Reservoir Dogs” would serve as a blueprint for Tarantino copycats, and a precursor for his own signature style.

The majority of the film takes place in a single locale – an abandoned warehouse serving as a rendezvous point for six professional criminals. While this is an obvious reflection of the film’s monetary limitations, it adds a unique dynamic as the story unfolds bit by bit, virtually in one room. The plot chronicles the aftermath of an armed heist gone wrong, and the suspicions that one of the crew is an undercover police officer. With the exception of three flashbacks, the movie plays out in a real time format.

In 1992, Tarantino had been working at a video rental store in California and his original plan was to shoot “Reservoir Dogs” on a budget of thirty-thousand dollars, until veteran actor Harvey Keitel got involved in the project and was able to help in raising the million dollar stock. Most directors would have a difficult time securing top talent for a debut film, but Tarantino was able to land a handful of greats due to the assistance from the Hollywood legend Keitel.

The gripping action starts almost immediately as two of the robbers (identified by code names) Mr. White (Keitel) and Mr. Orange (Tim Roth) are fleeing the crime scene. Orange is in the backseat of the car, suffering in agony from a gunshot wound and saturated in his own blood. Roth delivers each and every word in such a methodical way you’ll feel his pain as though you’ve been shot and you’ll understand right away that the film is playing for keeps.

The six primary characters in the film are cast flawlessly and portray a brilliant scope of acting talent, from calm and cool Mr. White to the frantic and high strung Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi.) The orchestrator of the plan is captured impeccably by veteran tough guy Lawrence Tierney, along with his charismatic son known as Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn.) And everyone who watches “Reservoir Dogs” will be blown away by the brilliance and frigid frightening demeanor of Michael Madsen as he portrays the psychotic Mr. Blonde.

Though taking place in the present day, the soundtrack for the entire movie consists of classic gems – one hit wonders from the 70’s, which come courtesy of the radio station blaring over the speakers in the warehouse. For some reason, the songs fit the story like glove and put the viewer right in the middle of the chaotic melee. The songs from the radio also comprise the only score as there are no other musical numbers in the movie.

“Reservoir Dogs” contains several scenes often lauded and recited by fans verbatim. The opening sequence takes place the morning of the heist as the men are gathered around having breakfast. In the moments prior to committing a series of atrocious crimes, the discussion at the table goes from the meaning of popular Madonna songs to the validity of tipping waitresses, ignited by the parsimonious Mr. Pink. “I don’t tip because society says I have to. Alright, I tip when somebody really deserves a tip. If they put forth an effort, I’ll give them something extra. But I mean this tipping automatically, that’s for the birds. As far as I’m concerned they’re just doing their job.” Pink explains to the dismay of his cohorts.

Another truly memorable scene involves Michael Madsen’s character sadistically torturing a police officer as he gyrates his hips and sings along to the radio. The scene is astoundingly shocking and makes up the strong backbone for the movie in terms of character development and sheer awe. Michael Madsen and his character will forever be linked to the 1972 Stealers Wheel hit “Stuck in the middle with you.” Mr. Blonde is also known for his serene though vicious challenge issued to Mr. White. “Are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite?”

While later films “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill,” and “Django Unchained” received heavy promotion, “Reservoir Dogs” dropped with little in the way of fanfare and anticipation and whether or not you’re a fan of Tarantino’s work “Reservoir Dogs” remains his best film and one of the greats of all time.

– by Matt Christopher