The Hateful Eight

Yesterday, I finally watched The Hateful Eight, the eight film by Quentin Tarantino. In case you're confused, it's the eight because he counts the Kill Bill movies as one.

Anyway, seeing as I've watched all the others, I had to see this one as well. And since it's Monday, I might as well talk about it.

Is it good? Yes and no.

The thing about Tarantino is that he makes the movie he wants to make, and then leaves the rest up to you. He's not really one for making statements about issues, nor does he worry too much about opinions and messages. This is not a bad thing, everything doesn't have to be deep and meaningful, but it does make you wonder what you just watched for three hours.

Yes, that's right, hateful eight is three (3) hours long, and to be honest, that is one hour too much. The movie could have been just as enjoyable at the two hour mark without loosing anything valuable. But that's the interesting thing about it, there isn't really anything that's pointless due to the fact that the movie is all about atmosphere and suspense. I suppose it could almost have been better as a mini-series than a movie.

Tarantino takes his time building things up. A less dedicated director would just have pointed out that there is a blizzard, but Tarantino spends almost an hour driving home how bad it is for the characters that there is a blizzard.

Oh, I forgot to tell you what it's all about, didn't I? Well, it's western set a few years after the civil war. A bounty hunter is on his way to deliver a prisoner, when he meets another bounty hunter and a newly minted sheriff (unless he's lying), and they have to seek shelter from the blizzard. But there are other people at the roadside inn/store where they take shelter, and then Tarantino things happen. With me? Good.

The dialog is excellent as always, as is the action. Most of the Tarantino trademarks are there, including the Red Apple cigarettes, but the best part of the movie is the tension, without a doubt. You could cut it with a knife, and that's the real genius of The Hateful Eight. Despite the three hour length, Tarantino manages to keep up the tension, which is no small feat. The cast helps of course, with names like Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russel, Tim Roth and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

I enjoyed the movie, no doubt about that, but when it was all said and done, I still think it's too long. What I find fascinating are the inspirations for this film. Tarantino likes his homages, we all know that, but The Hateful Eight is inspired by The Thing by John Carpenter, and Reservoir Dogs by Tarantino. He was either inspired by, or made a homage to, his own movie. Maybe both.

The bottom line is this: if you like what Quentin Tarantino does, you will like this movie. If you're sick of his stick, avoid seeing it.

That all for today, so until next time, have a great week! (And avoid bounty hunters, trust me).