If you’re anything like me, you’re probably feeling two ways about the confirmation that Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” will definitely exist, and is slated to start filming in November in Wyoming. On the one hand, there’s the excitement that he’s bringing it to the silver screen at all–remember, he almost canned the project entirely after parts of it were leaked earlier this week. On the other hand, you’re worried that he might be getting a little too self-indulgent, making every film subsequently more of a ‘passion project’ than the last. Never fear–I’m here to explain exactly why this will be his best film since 1994’s “Pulp Fiction.”
5. Finally, A Real Western
Tarantino’s hallmarks–gratuitous violence and brilliant cinematography–are practically custom-made for the western genre. 2012’s “Django Unchained” marked his first foray into the genre, but despite the general spaghetti western feel, one can’t help but think that the film actually takes place in the deep South. “The Hateful Eight” will actually take place somewhere out west- somewhere desolate, lonely, and cold. The setting should make for beautiful cinematography, shot in lovely 70mm film, as well as a very fitting place for an exploration of the human psyche.
4. An Isolated Incident
If the rumors are to be believed- and if the staged reading was anything like the final product, they should be- this will mark a triumphant return to the simple set pieces and almost live-theatre feel of “Reservoir Dogs.” For those who don’t know, almost all of “Reservoir Dogs,” barring Tarantino’s familiar series of flashbacks, takes place in a single room- a warehouse, specifically. This setting, as simple as it may be, makes for an intensely focused film. The characters, like the audience, can’t escape, and therefore are forced to resolve their problems within this restricted area- for some reason or other, they can’t leave. In “Reservoir Dogs,” the thieves are hiding out from the police, and in the case of “the Hateful Eight,” there is a massive blizzard. Reportedly, there will be precisely two settings–the inside of a stagecoach, and a small haberdashery. I can’t wait.
3. The Return of Old Favorites
One of my absolute favorite actors, Michael Madsen, who is notoriously selective with his films, is looking forward to a glorious return to the big screen with “The Hateful Eight.” Keep in mind, no casting choices have been confirmed–however, Tarantino did hand-pick the cast for his staged reading, and given his penchant for reusing actors he is familiar with, they seem likely. Joining Madsen, hopefully, will be Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Tim Roth, all of whom I love, and who have worked with Tarantino before. These choices in particular seem likely.
2. An Influx of New (And Old) Talent
There is so much to be excited about this movie for, and yet the most ridiculous might be some of the more recently rumored casting choices- among these are Jennifer Lawrence and Bruce Dern. Lawrence may just be the hottest commodity in Hollywood right now excluding Matthew McConaughey, and at the tender age of 24, has already garnered three Academy Award nominations, including a win. Bruce Dern, funnily enough, has regained mainstream attention only recently and at the age of 78 for his nomination in 2013’s “Nebraska.” I for one am supremely excited for the confirmation of these choices, as well as the announcement of new ones in the coming months.
1. Just Listen to the Premise, I Mean Really
The synopsis of “the Hateful Eight,” at least right now, is generally the following: a bounty hunter and his prisoner are travelling by stagecoach somewhere out west, but a blizzard forces them to take refuge in the only place they can—a small haberdashery, where they are soon joined by other suspicious travelers. First of all, the plot will no doubt make for good character interaction, specifically Tarantino’s trademark caustic dialogue. Secondly, it seems entirely unpredictable. Of course you’ve got to assume most of them will die, but how? And whom? One more year, people.