There Are Only 7 Movies Worth Watching, According to Quentin Tarantino
Here's a list of 'em.
Quentin Tarantino may be one of the most recognizable filmmakers of his time, producing movies such as Pulp Fiction, which some critics cite as 'the best movie of all time' as well as his classic American crime film Reservoir Dogs, which Empire Magazine once listed as "the greatest independent film".
It must be said that Tarantino certainly knows a thing or two about cinema. But what are the movies, apart from his own, that the famed filmmaker draws inspiration from?
Discussing his influences in an interview on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, the renowned director revealed his list of the most perfect movies of all time. And there are only seven of them.
The Wild Bunch (1969)
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This late 60s American western revolutionized the genre at a time when westerns, although popular throughout the 50s, began to feel stale and unimaginative. The film depicts a gang of ageing outlaws struggling to adapt to the changing times they are living in of 1913. After arranging one last score for retirement, a railroad robbery, all does not go to plan, and the gang ends up fighting for survival.
The film was a big hit upon release, although it received criticism for its inclusion of graphic violence. The movie included lots of fast-paced multi-angle scene cutting and uncommon use of slow motion. Its excessive brutality mixed with the film's then-revolutionary style makes it clear why this is a favorite for Tarantino. Many other notable directors also list this as one of the "greatest films of all time". The film has often been compared in style and concept with Pulp Fiction itself.
The Exorcist (1973)
Although Tarantino has never delved much into the genre of horror, or the supernatural for that matter (except for From Dusk till Dawn possibly), the importance of such a cult classic as The Exorcist cannot be understated. The film, based on the bestselling novel, features a young girl possessed by a demonic presence. As her condition worsens, her mother seeks the help of a priest to perform an exorcism to save her daughter's soul. Leading to some explicit and vivid occurrences throughout the movie.
At the time of its release, the film was also heavily criticised for its display of graphic and controversial religious imagery. Reports of audience members having fits and vomiting at the site of some of its scenes only further popularized the film within the media.
Eventually, the film went on to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and has lived on in popular culture ever since. Tarantino may have never drawn inspiration directly from this film into his own movies, but he has also never shied away from controversy with his films. Just as The Exorcist did the same.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
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If you ever wondered where Tarantino gets his inspiration for gore and violence, look no further. The Texas Chainsaw franchise includes some of the goriest slashers about. All of which spawned from its very first film made in 1974. The simple yet effective plot of the film involves a group of friends who are hunted by a masked killer named Leatherface. Plus his cannibal family while on a trip to visit their old family homestead.
Although it received mixed critical responses, the film performed incredibly well with audiences considering its low budget. Because of its gore-fueled and violent nature, the film was rated R and was eventually banned in several countries.
However, it was the film that not only established an entire franchise and following but also originated some of the key themes of the slasher genre. Many other horror films would later follow, including Halloween, Blair Witch, and even Ridley Scott's Alien.
Young Frankenstein ( 1974)
Less horror and more comedy, Young Frankenstein was the brainchild of Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder. The film is a comical version loosely based on Mary Shelley's original novel Frankenstein. However, its key feature, apart from including an incredibly funny script, is its parody of early horror films from the 1930s. The film utilizes many aspects of more traditional movie-making. Including being entirely in black and white, a 1930's style opening credits, and old-fashioned scene transitions such as fades and wipes.
In this respect, Tarantino likely admires the film for its homage to cinema from an earlier age. He has often attempted to replicate other periods of film in his own work. Including his impression of conventional crime films in Reservoir Dogs, martial arts/Kung Fu films with Kill Bill, and classic westerns with Django Unchained. It's possible, this movie for him was the inspiration to replicate other styles of film in his own. Or maybe he just finds it funny.
Jaws (1975)
With a memorable antagonist and a killer score, who wouldn't value one of Spielberg's early successes, the classic thriller film Jaws. Including a villain who is neither a man nor a woman, but a shark. Yet the merit of the film cannot just go to its memorable story, clever cinematography, catchy theme, or quotable one-liners. Jaws is often considered a pivotal point for American cinema. At the time of its release, the movie was a phenomenal success with audiences. Winning many awards for its innovative visuals and original soundtrack, it became (for a time) the highest-grossing film ever made.
The success of the movie changed how studios produced and released films entirely. Subsequently looking to make action-based films which could attract mass audiences at once and generate immediate high box-office returns. Jaws is the very creator of the concept of a summer blockbuster. Being such a cultural success, it's no wonder Tarantino values this movie's contribution to modern cinema.
Annie Hall (1977)
Despite remaining a controversial figure among filmmakers, Woody Allen has received many awards and accolades for his work throughout his career. One of his most predominant films includes Annie Hall, a well-respected comedy-drama. The film is about a film star portrayed by Allen himself, who struggles with his failed relationship with his previous partner Annie Hall; played by Diane Keaton. The film is often considered by critics and other notable directors as one of the best comedy films of the 20th century. It has also gone on to inspire many more recent romantic comedies. Including When Harry Met Sally, Chasing Amy, and 500 Days of Summer.
Back to the Future ( 1985)
Although a rarity, in that this is the only film on Tarantino's list not released around the 70s, the incredible pop-culture sensation which is Back to the Future still makes the cut. Often listed as a fan-favorite, this is considered by some to be one of the greatest science-fiction works ever made. Inspiring many other notable directors, as well as entirely new franchises such as Rick and Morty.
The comedy/action/sci-fi/family film features teen Marty, who finds himself stuck back in time with his brilliant yet eccentric friend Doc Brown. However, Marty must change the events of his parent's past, if he ever wants to return to his own time. This slightly odd but playful story ended up capturing the hearts of many of its audience. And became not only a commercial success but an icon of the 80s. It's not difficult to see why such an iconic piece of cinema has earned a spot on Tarantino's perfect movie list.