A flight attendant makes a deal with the ATF to rat on her gun-running boyfriend, while planning to steal $500,000 from under their noses.
CRIME/DRAMA
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Jackie Brown (1997)Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, Michael Bowen, Chris Tucker Based on the novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard Oscar Nominations - Best Supporting Actor (Robert Forster) |
I think it’s safe to say that if you are a lover of film, you’re fully aware of who Quentin Tarantino is. Undoubtedly, he is one of modern cinema’s most acclaimed directors. It’s not hard to see why, either. He consistently delivers smart scripts, sharp direction, memorable characters, and quotable dialogue. Because of this, it’s almost become a rite of passage to view all of his films when it comes to what classics to watch or great directors to check out. But, there always seems to be one film which constantly eludes the type of praise his other films receive. One which not many fans of his work have even seen. Until now, myself included. The movie I’m talking about, of course, being Jackie Brown. So, with all that said, let’s see what makes this film feel like such a black sheep in his filmography and if it even deserves it.
This is an interesting movie in the sense that it isn’t actually an original idea by Tarantino. Instead, it seems like he decided to stretch his muscles a bit and take a stab at adapting someone else’s work. And, if I’m being honest, to rather mixed results. As for what works, the performances and direction. Like any of his films, this one is no exception to some very skilled, slick, and, at times, stylish direction. As for the performances, while everyone is great, I really have to single out Samuel L. Jackson and Pam Grier. The former continues to prove why he is always a reliable presence to have on screen, exuding his usual charm and charisma. The latter does a tremendous job in a role which feels like it was tailor made as a lover letter to her early career. Now, the reason this doesn’t work completely lies completely in what it is, an adaptation. This means a significant chunk of the tropes we come to expect from a Tarantino film aren’t really present. He’s hampered by the fact this is someone else’s work originally. For the most part, I can see why Jackie Brown feels like a black sheep in an otherwise impeccable filmography. Sure, the performances and directing style are very much in line with what we want from a Tarantino film. But, since this isn’t his original idea, there’s also a lot which feels left out. So, while not a bad film, also not one of his strongest. |
Jackie Brown may not be Tarantino's masterpiece, but it's certainly an engaging film that began his trend of writing badass female protagonists. It's one of those films that you need to watch more than once in order to fully appreciate it, as the plot is a little muddled and you start to forget exactly who is screwing who over. The cast is yet another gang of all-stars who deliver fantastic performances, with veteran Pam Grier in the lead as the eponymous Miss Jackie Brown.
Jackie's plan is to use the ATF to take down her crazy criminal boyfriend Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson, in one of his best roles) while her silent partner bail bondsman Max Cherry (Robert Forster, in a memorable and entertaining role) makes off with Ordell's half a million bucks. In order to pull this off, Jackie ends up pulling at least three different long cons on multiple parties, which is where the plot starts to get a little hard to follow. But it all leads to a tense and satisfying conclusion that's tuned to a well-oiled 70's soundtrack in typical Tarantino fashion. Coupled with fun performances by Robert De Niro and Michael Keaton, it's hard not to enjoy Jackie Brown. Like I said, it's not fair to compare Jackie Brown to Pulp Fiction or Kill Bill. It's just not in the same ballpark. For instance, Tarantino based this screenplay off of the Elmore Leonard novel Rum Punch, which is evidenced by the almost complete lack of the typical Tarantino tone fans have come to expect from his films. Instead, Jackie Brown is a more conventional crime drama that's reminiscent of the exploitation films of the 1970's. I still think it's a good movie and would definitely watch it again. |