I saw this movie twice in theaters. The first time, after the intermission, I remember Deathproof starting, and noticing that more than half the people in the theater were gone and never came back. They actually thought that when Planet Terror ended, the entire movie was done. The second time I saw it, when the intermission happened, I said out loud, "The movie's not over. I'm just letting you all know, because I saw this last week, and half the crowd never came back after the intermission. I don't want you to miss an entire second movie." They all came back. I just wonder how many people to this day believe that Tarantino directed Planet Terror? Silly bastards.
❤ So one of the reasons I think this may be Tarantino's finest film as a director.. not saying saying it's his best film.. but as a film maker on this one we need to take into account the fact he wrote it, directed it, curated the music, was Director of Photography, including operating the camera for a great deal of the shoot and also coordinated a lot of the real speed, real car, real Zoe Bell stunt work. I know you most likely will never see or read this comment.. but I respect the hell out of you for looking under the surface of Death Proof
I have always loved Deathproof. It's such a breathe of fresh air to hear that a film critic I really respect digs this film too. Do you think you will ever rank Tarantino's films from weakest to strongest?
My favorite night at the movies was seeing Grind House with my friends in Jersey for opening weekend. The movie did not do well at the box office, but that night the place was packed with bikers, nerds, and just some rowdy people. The crowd ate up every minute of it. I don't think I'll have a theater experience like that again. Of course, this is last on my list of Tarantino films, but the experience is still fun, for many of the reasons you state. What's funny is despite the more laid back feel of the film, apparently the shooting was quite stressful and took longer than Tarantino expected. He decided to have a much more run-and-gun approach to Inglorious Basterds because Death Proof's principle photography was felt longer than needed.
Agreed...me and a couple of friends went to see it in theatres and we had a blast through the whole thing!! We all were in agreement that Death Proof was the better film of the 2.
I love the movie, but I couldn't stand watching Nova, Charger and white Challenger getting totaled. To us Europeans any muscle car or 60s 70s full size american car is priceless gem(seriously. I saved '72 Mercury from literal pile of rust) and to see any of them deliberately removed from the road... It just breaks my heart.
Your summation of the ending of this movie was fantastic. Yes, that's exactly how we feel. Or at least you and me. I never even KNEW that's how I felt until I saw this review!! As always, you were extremely articulate and I almost always agree. And when I don't agree I still appreciate your perspective, and am able to see your point of view. This review sums up everything I like about this movie and also sums up Tarantino's talents (and weaknesses) impeccably well. You are the Pauline Kael of online movie reviewers!!
Omg. Did I just find a movie reviewer that is insightful and thought out. Most importantly a TH-camr that actually has pride about making it on your own and doesn't e-begg viewers for donations and handouts to support them and their lifestyle. Appreciated.
@8:29: If you like Kurt Russell that much, you might consider checking out and reviewing *"Stargate" (1994).* Fun fact: He played "Elvis", while changing Tom Hank's titular character forever in *"Forrest Gump" (1994).*
He played Elvis twice; once in Forrest Gump (1994) (voice only), and once in John Carpenter's Elvis (1979). He played an Elvis impersonator in 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001). He shared a scene with the real Elvis in It Happened at the World's Fair (1963) (he was the kid that kicked him in the shin).
I love the song at the end, it matches the movie perfectly, “Hang up the chick habit daddy”🎼😂 Kurt Russell is cool, “Escape from LA” is a guilty pleasure, so bad it’s good, “Call me Snake” and “Welcome to the human race” he’s one of the greats.
Death proof is one of my favorites and I actually enjoy the more meandering dialogue in this film! It felt more natural and made me feel like I was actually hanging out with these groups of friends and made more anxious for them when something did happen.
I love this movie so much. The film isn't particularly good and doesn't excel in many areas, but the atmosphere is so unique and the film is so different from the average film. If you have to summarize Tarantino in one film then this film is the most suitable one for me.
Me too. Huge fan of Tarantino. I couldn't stand the guy that was encouraging Butterfly to make out in his car. He's such a whiney little bitch. I mean seriously no woman ever has or ever will find that attractive especially when it comes to things like that.
Yeah I've always loved Death Proof. I was sad that Grindhouse didn't really hit, cause we could have gotten a few more of these sort of heightened exploitation films from him. Not that I haven't loved his films since.
Maggie, did you see The Rise of Skywalker? I'd love to hear your thoughts on its quality especially relative to The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Personally, I really enjoyed it and thought JJ's heart was in the right place. I feel like a lot of the hate is excessive and it was very emotionally resonant and satisfying for me.
Great movie as all of the other QT films! I love the scene when Kurt Russell is outside the bar talking with girls and he looks like he's going to sneeze but he doesn't. It was an unexpected moment but hey QT is a weird guy and there's a lot of random,weird and unexpected things that happen in his movies.
I LOVE YOUR REVIEW-mainly because as a polyglot, I speak many languages and love words. However, I wish it was written in more accessible language for people with a more everyday vocabulary. What you said was so smart, but I wouldn't have been able to appreciate how brilliant you are ten years ago because I didn't have the same level of vocabulary comprehension. If I rework your fantastic review into simpler language, I'll let you know! GO DIVA! I AGREE 1000%
He made a an amazing horror cult B movie flick. I also love that it was a huge risk. The horror is the breaking of trust. We all want to have the open good times and let people in our lives. And that is the deep terror to me. Yes I would have loved it to be full of more obvious tension and action but it nails the genre perfectly. Planet Terror is the action parody that we wanted. Death Proof is a concept non-parody. It is an homage. Where planet terror is awesome but also tongue in cheek in a way. Death Proof is a perfect indulgence in a great style without being derivative. Great video BtW!
Death Proof is my second favorite Tarratino Movie. I am a big Snake Plissken fan so Stunt Man Mike is kind of Snake if you took him darker. But I love the juxtaposition of the girls between the first act and the final act and to have that complete total turn of Kurt going from being this sadistic persona who is dangerous and in control to a whimpering sniveling dude by the time Zoe and the rest of the girls strike back. The practical car stunts rock, the hopefulness of the movie in how its shot between the first half and the final half is subtle but I really really dig it. In fact when I bought the dvds I bought death proof before I bought Planet Terror. I am just happy to see that not every one hates this movie. Because I think its really really cool.
There seems to be a running theme around _vulnerability._ Every character is in some way or other is exposed to,faces, subjects themselves to it or expresses where and how they are or could be without actually _being_ vulnerable; it is as if everyone is flipping off the inevitable without either knowing or caring about it. The very opening dialogue, in the form of a 'catty' argument sets this up. No one in the entire film has anywhere to run or run away. Death Proof is a statement about 'flight or fight'.
The reason Grindhouse tanked was "Kill Bill". It's certainly what kept me away from Grindhouse. There is a revisionist history that Kill Bill was some kind of beloved movie when it came out. To a lot of us who had been following him since "Reservoir Dogs", Kill Bill was a big disappointment. Both of them. I still can't stand the last half of Vol. 1 or the last half of Vol. 2. It got mixed reviews, it wasn't a slam dunk love fest like Pulp had been. Alot of people got ON the Tarantino bandwagon with Kill Bill and so it now has this reputation that overshadows much of his better work. We all went and saw Part 2 because we wanted to finish the story. I thought his dialog game jumped the shark with some scenes in Kill Bill. So I briefly wrote him off. When I finally saw "Death Proof", I ended up really liking it. And I liked it fifty times better than Kill Bill. I rank Kill Bill 1&2 as his second worst (after "Hateful 8", which I thought was atrocious).
It took me a while to get into this film because it felt redundant given that Tarantino said everything he wanted to say about these genres of film with "Kill Bill" as an entirety. A b-movie epic. Then again I saw the truncated theater cut that was shorter and I wound up missing things I wouldn't get until the fuller DVD version was released. For example, that "Death Proof" shifts not only styles but entire narratives. It's two halves of different grindhouse-style movies scotch-taped together. The first half with Stuntman Mike plays out according to the styles and tropes of genre, but the second half subverts them. It's because it is establishment without climax that turns into climax without establishment. It's the first half of one movie getting cut off by the second half of a different movie. I guess Tarantino was going for the effect of someone who's spent so much time in grindhouse theaters as a kid that he'd fall asleep during one movie and wake up during another, but Lee Marvin (typecast by then) was the baddie in both of them so it felt like a single narrative. I think Kurt Russell played it that way as well, as a typecast villain character actor always given these roles. I don't think he's the same character in the second half. He's no longer the charismatic charming killer but the animalistic creepy killer, both common villainous tropes in these films. This is why the ending always felt off or awkward. We never see what becomes of Stuntman Mike's arc (like we never again see the policemen who don't believe Mike is as innocent as he seems) but we do see this other villain get resolved but in reality we missed the establishing element that would make it as satisfactory as it should be. It was a point that Tarantino maybe thought was obvious but then again, not everyone is as erudite in film history as he is known to be. It may have lost people. Imagine the version you saw being only 55 minutes long.
Was at a bar and "Death Proof" was playing and everyone was excited and into it but it was a movie no one knew. I spoke up and said it was a Quentin Tarantino movie, then suddenly everyone lost interest. I love this movie, but I never forgot that reaction.
I enjoy Brazil very underrated movie.Terry Gilliam needs to have more love with his movies than Tarantino even Tarantino admits Gilliam as a influencer.
I live in Hollywood and due to the "perception" of "others" I am not allowed in most movie theaters - at least before Corona made her debut. Can you imagine, Girl With the Claw Hands, being so different that you are not allowed? When Kill Bill Part One came out I had most of my body parts hence I was allowed into the theater. I'll finish this story later, I can't type no mo'.
I love this movie! Kurt Russell gave a great performance. I'm a huge fan of Tarantinos films! Sylvester Stallone was offered the role of Stuntman Mike but turned it down. I'm sure it's a decision he regrets because he would've nailed the role. He also turned down the role of Butch in Pulp Fiction. He would've been awesome as Butch because he's a boxer in the movie which ties into Rocky.
Years since I've watched Deathproof. Your review makes me want to watch it again. I've loved watching movies especially the classics, for 40+ years. I enjoy your critiques, I'm looking at film in a new way. So thank you. I would love you to make a video, recommending books which have influenced your appreciation of film.
Props for reviewing deathproof! Really agreed with your point on Tarantino sometimes gets disorienting by going to extremes. When IB came out it made me think, what if he could make a movie without a ridiculous gratuitus violent scenes? It would probably get him that oscar. Also the Psycho comparison blew my mind! Very Nice! Deathproofs soundtrack is also amazing!
Most others or credits I think just didn't get the retro vibe of the Grindhouse double feature, but I of course LOVE it so much! Kurt Russell is daring & I think quite terrifying as Stuntman Mike. Which personally, I don't believe he was REALLY a Stuntman. His background is so mysterious not knowing his motives for murdering. It makes him so sinister, and the ending so satisfying. It's absolutely one of my Tarantino favorites. 🚘😎🤗 P.S. Could you do a review on the movie, knives out? Personally, it's amazing & in most cases feels similar to a Tarantino's feature. It's excellent, in my opinion😌
Oh my god. You got me to pull out my Deathproof and Planet Terror disks and now I'm gonna have a double feature tonight. Haven't seen them in a looong time. And yes, Kurt is awesome in this.
Bravo! I love that movie. The rugged vulnerability of the female characters really gripped me as a younger man. I'll never forget how it made me feel watching Death Proof for my first time
I agree with you. I really enjoyed Death Proof. It’s definitely one of my favorite Q.T. films. The dialogue was extremely entertaining, and I thought the actors gave top notch performances. I also love your channel btw :) 👏🏼
I always avoided this because the trailer felt like really angry misogyny so your review is appreciated and I’ll check it out. I grew up at the tail-end of the double feature era and once saw Taxi Driver and Shampoo on the same bill. How’s that for weirdness? I was underage so I had to sneak in. I was there for Taxi Driver but fell in live with Shampoo, which remains one of my favs to this day.
Back in the 70s there were double features all the time at the drive in and were a blast , seen plenty of horror movies T/A movies , Kung Fu movies and action movies, Gator Bd White Lightning with Burt Reynolds come to mind and I loved Death Proof excellent! Thanks again for your reviews
Unpopular opinion but I absolutely love this one. The "twist" in the middle took me by such surprise, given how much time is dedicated to the characters in the first half. And the second half is just so enjoyable, Kurt Russell is brilliant. It's just outrageously entertaining and I find it more enjoyable than a lot of his more accomplished/polished work after this. (Except for Inglourious Basterds, I recently revisited that, and it's maybe his best film.) "Elevated trash" works haha. The hallway scene where they just walk down the same corridor twice always kills me, and the "I'm afraid you're gonna have to start getting scared.. immediately!" is an all timer. *Now that I've watched...* Great video! It's nice that you like this one too, but your takes are always interesting regardless of whether they align with my mine. I agree with how the women are portrayed, and I wonder how this film would play these days, even though it only came out faaairly recently. I can see it being viewed as more of a statement movie than it would have in 2007. A beat I really love is when Mike gets shot at the end, he is so assured and so charismatic throughout the whole film. But once he has a bullet in the arm, he's a crying, screaming mess, which feels kind of like how most people would react if they were shot? Also one of the last truly great "real" car chases too, I think.
To be honest, as exploitative and overly simple as it is, I find Death Proof to be much better than Tarantino's last two movies, Once Upon a Time, and hateful 8. Even on a superficial level , death proof has more iconic music, sequences, and cinematography than something that's overly long and bloated like hateful eight, a type of movie that he had already made way better in Reservoir Dogs.
I watched the grind house feature in theaters. I was only 13 years young and I snuck in to watch it. Planet terror was fun but wow. I had goosebumps and I was legit on the edge of my seat watching death proof. Such a good time.
Was in the middle of writing about how much I actually love death proof thinking you were about to pan it. It’s awesome to finally have another movie head on my side with this one 😂
I really enjoyed this double feature when it was released. It’s exploitative and trashy and self aware. Not my favorite by far, but fun. Doesn’t take itself too seriously. You made me want to rewatch this. Not sure if you’ve ever read Ballard’s book Crash or seen the adaptation by Cronenberg, but Deathproof reminded me of that in some of its themes
I had different feelings about the ending. I didn’t feel bad for Mike at all. I think there were stakes because if he did that with women who were not professional stunt drivers, Mike would have killed them.
I'd love to hear your take on some Michael Mann. Heat, or collateral, or miami vice. Super macho stuff, yes. But I was surprised you went here for this one. My favorite Tarantino flick. Anyways. Love the content.
I just watched your old video on Inglorious Bastards and to add to its underwhelming and overlooked reputation, you stated in your video that Kill Bill Vol. 2 was the last movie he made before inglorious bastards. I then saw some of your comments that seemed to pointed out that you had remembered Death Proof existed but forgot to mention it.
You kinda have to watch the original Vanishing Point and Bullitt to really get a lot of what this movie is trying to hearken to. If you see those, this movie gets better in some ways, and more disappointing in others.
At least it's not bad as Hateful 8 and Django Unchained very overrated and I'm starting to not like Once upon a Time now.Please Quentin do a Pulp Fiction 2 before you retire.
Death Proof is his most pointless film. The dialogue isn't clever or funny or interesting. The car chases are just not as gripping or scary or as exciting as he wanted them to be. The characters were all completely forgettable, with the exception of Stuntman Mike, who gets his just deserts but it's not particulaly satisfying either. The fake trailers in Grindhouse were by far the best part of the project. And of course his boring predictable foot fetish is on full display yet again.
Your channel is loaded with reviews of many of my favorites ... SUBSCRIBED ! (PS check out Sam Peckinpah if you are interested in revisionist westerns of the 60s and early 70s).
I saw this movie twice in theaters. The first time, after the intermission, I remember Deathproof starting, and noticing that more than half the people in the theater were gone and never came back. They actually thought that when Planet Terror ended, the entire movie was done. The second time I saw it, when the intermission happened, I said out loud, "The movie's not over. I'm just letting you all know, because I saw this last week, and half the crowd never came back after the intermission. I don't want you to miss an entire second movie."
They all came back. I just wonder how many people to this day believe that Tarantino directed Planet Terror? Silly bastards.
❤ So one of the reasons I think this may be Tarantino's finest film as a director.. not saying saying it's his best film.. but as a film maker on this one we need to take into account the fact he wrote it, directed it, curated the music, was Director of Photography, including operating the camera for a great deal of the shoot and also coordinated a lot of the real speed, real car, real Zoe Bell stunt work. I know you most likely will never see or read this comment.. but I respect the hell out of you for looking under the surface of Death Proof
I have always loved Deathproof. It's such a breathe of fresh air to hear that a film critic I really respect digs this film too. Do you think you will ever rank Tarantino's films from weakest to strongest?
It was a pretty bad Grindhouse movie. Larry Cohen did much better, Jeff Liebermann did much better, Tobe Hooper did much better.
Death proof is one of the worst movies ever made
@@jordanthomas4379 Vitriolic
My favorite night at the movies was seeing Grind House with my friends in Jersey for opening weekend. The movie did not do well at the box office, but that night the place was packed with bikers, nerds, and just some rowdy people. The crowd ate up every minute of it. I don't think I'll have a theater experience like that again. Of course, this is last on my list of Tarantino films, but the experience is still fun, for many of the reasons you state. What's funny is despite the more laid back feel of the film, apparently the shooting was quite stressful and took longer than Tarantino expected. He decided to have a much more run-and-gun approach to Inglorious Basterds because Death Proof's principle photography was felt longer than needed.
I regret not seeing the two in the theaters!
Agreed...me and a couple of friends went to see it in theatres and we had a blast through the whole thing!! We all were in agreement that Death Proof was the better film of the 2.
I love the movie, but I couldn't stand watching Nova, Charger and white Challenger getting totaled. To us Europeans any muscle car or 60s 70s full size american car is priceless gem(seriously. I saved '72 Mercury from literal pile of rust) and to see any of them deliberately removed from the road... It just breaks my heart.
Have you seen Brian DePalma's Phantom of the Paradise. If not I would definitely recommend it's one of my favorites
@Ranshitha Kularathna good singing voice too
I’m not really into musicals but still want to watch this movie especially after reading about it in Sissy Spacek’s movie.
So good
I’m still waiting for Eli Roth to make “Thanksgiving Day.”
I loved the movie trailers during the intermission
Your wish has been granted
Aaaaaaaaaaaannd...it sucked.
Nice to hear someone praising this film for a change ! I love it too .. cheers Maggie, great insight as always.
Death Proof is one of my favorite movies and I love the soundtrack. Just watched it a few days ago for the third time.
Your summation of the ending of this movie was fantastic. Yes, that's exactly how we feel. Or at least you and me. I never even KNEW that's how I felt until I saw this review!! As always, you were extremely articulate and I almost always agree. And when I don't agree I still appreciate your perspective, and am able to see your point of view. This review sums up everything I like about this movie and also sums up Tarantino's talents (and weaknesses) impeccably well. You are the Pauline Kael of online movie reviewers!!
The 69 Nova Stuntman Mike drives in the movie is absolutely one of my dream cars!
Omg. Did I just find a movie reviewer that is insightful and thought out. Most importantly a TH-camr that actually has pride about making it on your own and doesn't e-begg viewers for donations and handouts to support them and their lifestyle. Appreciated.
I love Deathproof and feel it's underrated. But I probably love Jackie Brown more and feel it's criminally underrated.
@8:29: If you like Kurt Russell that much, you might consider checking out and reviewing *"Stargate" (1994).*
Fun fact: He played "Elvis", while changing Tom Hank's titular character forever in *"Forrest Gump" (1994).*
He played Elvis twice; once in Forrest Gump (1994) (voice only), and once in John Carpenter's Elvis (1979).
He played an Elvis impersonator in 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001).
He shared a scene with the real Elvis in It Happened at the World's Fair (1963) (he was the kid that kicked him in the shin).
Saw the grindhouse double feature in the theater and loved them, find them rewatchable af. End of death proof always makes me cheer : D
I love the song at the end, it matches the movie perfectly, “Hang up the chick habit daddy”🎼😂 Kurt Russell is cool, “Escape from LA” is a guilty pleasure, so bad it’s good, “Call me Snake” and “Welcome to the human race” he’s one of the greats.
One of the best car crash scenes of all times! Just thinking something like that is crazy.
Death proof is one of my favorites and I actually enjoy the more meandering dialogue in this film! It felt more natural and made me feel like I was actually hanging out with these groups of friends and made more anxious for them when something did happen.
Saw it in the theater and loved it. I love it still. Glad others are giving it a second look.
I love this movie so much. The film isn't particularly good and doesn't excel in many areas, but the atmosphere is so unique and the film is so different from the average film. If you have to summarize Tarantino in one film then this film is the most suitable one for me.
Me too. Huge fan of Tarantino. I couldn't stand the guy that was encouraging Butterfly to make out in his car. He's such a whiney little bitch. I mean seriously no woman ever has or ever will find that attractive especially when it comes to things like that.
Death Proof is one of my favourite Tarantino films! So underrated
Kurt Russell gave a great performance in a great movie! I consider him Stuntman Mike in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Well if that's the case, he went ahead and married one of his victims - Zoe Bell.
Yeah I've always loved Death Proof. I was sad that Grindhouse didn't really hit, cause we could have gotten a few more of these sort of heightened exploitation films from him. Not that I haven't loved his films since.
Maggie, did you see The Rise of Skywalker? I'd love to hear your thoughts on its quality especially relative to The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Personally, I really enjoyed it and thought JJ's heart was in the right place. I feel like a lot of the hate is excessive and it was very emotionally resonant and satisfying for me.
It's nice to see fans of this film.
Great movie as all of the other QT films! I love the scene when Kurt Russell is outside the bar talking with girls and he looks like he's going to sneeze but he doesn't. It was an unexpected moment but hey QT is a weird guy and there's a lot of random,weird and unexpected things that happen in his movies.
I LOVE YOUR REVIEW-mainly because as a polyglot, I speak many languages and love words. However, I wish it was written in more accessible language for people with a more everyday vocabulary. What you said was so smart, but I wouldn't have been able to appreciate how brilliant you are ten years ago because I didn't have the same level of vocabulary comprehension. If I rework your fantastic review into simpler language, I'll let you know! GO DIVA! I AGREE 1000%
He made a an amazing horror cult B movie flick. I also love that it was a huge risk. The horror is the breaking of trust. We all want to have the open good times and let people in our lives. And that is the deep terror to me. Yes I would have loved it to be full of more obvious tension and action but it nails the genre perfectly. Planet Terror is the action parody that we wanted. Death Proof is a concept non-parody. It is an homage. Where planet terror is awesome but also tongue in cheek in a way. Death Proof is a perfect indulgence in a great style without being derivative. Great video BtW!
Death Proof is my second favorite Tarratino Movie. I am a big Snake Plissken fan so Stunt Man Mike is kind of Snake if you took him darker. But I love the juxtaposition of the girls between the first act and the final act and to have that complete total turn of Kurt going from being this sadistic persona who is dangerous and in control to a whimpering sniveling dude by the time Zoe and the rest of the girls strike back. The practical car stunts rock, the hopefulness of the movie in how its shot between the first half and the final half is subtle but I really really dig it. In fact when I bought the dvds I bought death proof before I bought Planet Terror. I am just happy to see that not every one hates this movie. Because I think its really really cool.
There seems to be a running theme around _vulnerability._ Every character is in some way or other is exposed to,faces, subjects themselves to it or expresses where and how they are or could be without actually _being_ vulnerable; it is as if everyone is flipping off the inevitable without either knowing or caring about it. The very opening dialogue, in the form of a 'catty' argument sets this up. No one in the entire film has anywhere to run or run away. Death Proof is a statement about 'flight or fight'.
The reason Grindhouse tanked was "Kill Bill". It's certainly what kept me away from Grindhouse. There is a revisionist history that Kill Bill was some kind of beloved movie when it came out. To a lot of us who had been following him since "Reservoir Dogs", Kill Bill was a big disappointment. Both of them. I still can't stand the last half of Vol. 1 or the last half of Vol. 2. It got mixed reviews, it wasn't a slam dunk love fest like Pulp had been. Alot of people got ON the Tarantino bandwagon with Kill Bill and so it now has this reputation that overshadows much of his better work. We all went and saw Part 2 because we wanted to finish the story. I thought his dialog game jumped the shark with some scenes in Kill Bill. So I briefly wrote him off. When I finally saw "Death Proof", I ended up really liking it. And I liked it fifty times better than Kill Bill. I rank Kill Bill 1&2 as his second worst (after "Hateful 8", which I thought was atrocious).
Spot on review, by the way. Agree 100%.
I got a kink in my neck trying to read the book titles. You got me. You got me good.
It took me a while to get into this film because it felt redundant given that Tarantino said everything he wanted to say about these genres of film with "Kill Bill" as an entirety. A b-movie epic.
Then again I saw the truncated theater cut that was shorter and I wound up missing things I wouldn't get until the fuller DVD version was released. For example, that "Death Proof" shifts not only styles but entire narratives. It's two halves of different grindhouse-style movies scotch-taped together.
The first half with Stuntman Mike plays out according to the styles and tropes of genre, but the second half subverts them. It's because it is establishment without climax that turns into climax without establishment. It's the first half of one movie getting cut off by the second half of a different movie.
I guess Tarantino was going for the effect of someone who's spent so much time in grindhouse theaters as a kid that he'd fall asleep during one movie and wake up during another, but Lee Marvin (typecast by then) was the baddie in both of them so it felt like a single narrative. I think Kurt Russell played it that way as well, as a typecast villain character actor always given these roles. I don't think he's the same character in the second half. He's no longer the charismatic charming killer but the animalistic creepy killer, both common villainous tropes in these films.
This is why the ending always felt off or awkward. We never see what becomes of Stuntman Mike's arc (like we never again see the policemen who don't believe Mike is as innocent as he seems) but we do see this other villain get resolved but in reality we missed the establishing element that would make it as satisfactory as it should be. It was a point that Tarantino maybe thought was obvious but then again, not everyone is as erudite in film history as he is known to be. It may have lost people. Imagine the version you saw being only 55 minutes long.
Was at a bar and "Death Proof" was playing and everyone was excited and into it but it was a movie no one knew. I spoke up and said it was a Quentin Tarantino movie, then suddenly everyone lost interest. I love this movie, but I never forgot that reaction.
I agree. Death Proof is one of Tarantino’s best. It’s visceral and knows when to quit.
hey maggie, can i suggest a review of Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985)? i also agree with your opinions on Death Proof 😊
I enjoy Brazil very underrated movie.Terry Gilliam needs to have more love with his movies than Tarantino even Tarantino admits Gilliam as a influencer.
I live in Hollywood and due to the "perception" of "others" I am not allowed in most movie theaters - at least before Corona made her debut. Can you imagine, Girl With the Claw Hands, being so different that you are not allowed? When Kill Bill Part One came out I had most of my body parts hence I was allowed into the theater. I'll finish this story later, I can't type no mo'.
I love this movie! Kurt Russell gave a great performance. I'm a huge fan of Tarantinos films! Sylvester Stallone was offered the role of Stuntman Mike but turned it down. I'm sure it's a decision he regrets because he would've nailed the role. He also turned down the role of Butch in Pulp Fiction. He would've been awesome as Butch because he's a boxer in the movie which ties into Rocky.
Years since I've watched Deathproof. Your review makes me want to watch it again. I've loved watching movies especially the classics, for 40+ years. I enjoy your critiques, I'm looking at film in a new way. So thank you. I would love you to make a video, recommending books which have influenced your appreciation of film.
Props for reviewing deathproof! Really agreed with your point on Tarantino sometimes gets disorienting by going to extremes. When IB came out it made me think, what if he could make a movie without a ridiculous gratuitus violent scenes? It would probably get him that oscar. Also the Psycho comparison blew my mind! Very Nice! Deathproofs soundtrack is also amazing!
Most others or credits I think just didn't get the retro vibe of the Grindhouse double feature, but I of course LOVE it so much! Kurt Russell is daring & I think quite terrifying as Stuntman Mike. Which personally, I don't believe he was REALLY a Stuntman. His background is so mysterious not knowing his motives for murdering. It makes him so sinister, and the ending so satisfying. It's absolutely one of my Tarantino favorites. 🚘😎🤗
P.S. Could you do a review on the movie, knives out? Personally, it's amazing & in most cases feels similar to a Tarantino's feature. It's excellent, in my opinion😌
This channel lately🔥🔥🔥🔥
Oh my god. You got me to pull out my Deathproof and Planet Terror disks and now I'm gonna have a double feature tonight. Haven't seen them in a looong time. And yes, Kurt is awesome in this.
Bravo! I love that movie. The rugged vulnerability of the female characters really gripped me as a younger man. I'll never forget how it made me feel watching Death Proof for my first time
I agree with you. I really enjoyed Death Proof. It’s definitely one of my favorite Q.T. films. The dialogue was extremely entertaining, and I thought the actors gave top notch performances. I also love your channel btw :) 👏🏼
I love Death Proof! One of my favourites. :) Have a nice ride!!
I always avoided this because the trailer felt like really angry misogyny so your review is appreciated and I’ll check it out. I grew up at the tail-end of the double feature era and once saw Taxi Driver and Shampoo on the same bill. How’s that for weirdness? I was underage so I had to sneak in. I was there for Taxi Driver but fell in live with Shampoo, which remains one of my favs to this day.
Back in the 70s there were double features all the time at the drive in and were a blast , seen plenty of horror movies T/A movies , Kung Fu movies and action movies, Gator Bd White Lightning with Burt Reynolds come to mind and I loved Death Proof excellent! Thanks again for your reviews
I saw Grindhouse at a drive-in theatre premiere, and it's easily my second favorite Tarantino (next to Inglorious).
LOVED this movie.
And the twist ending where (spoiler alert) the women start to chase him is sooo simple but so effective!
Unpopular opinion but I absolutely love this one. The "twist" in the middle took me by such surprise, given how much time is dedicated to the characters in the first half. And the second half is just so enjoyable, Kurt Russell is brilliant. It's just outrageously entertaining and I find it more enjoyable than a lot of his more accomplished/polished work after this. (Except for Inglourious Basterds, I recently revisited that, and it's maybe his best film.) "Elevated trash" works haha.
The hallway scene where they just walk down the same corridor twice always kills me, and the "I'm afraid you're gonna have to start getting scared.. immediately!" is an all timer.
*Now that I've watched...*
Great video! It's nice that you like this one too, but your takes are always interesting regardless of whether they align with my mine. I agree with how the women are portrayed, and I wonder how this film would play these days, even though it only came out faaairly recently. I can see it being viewed as more of a statement movie than it would have in 2007. A beat I really love is when Mike gets shot at the end, he is so assured and so charismatic throughout the whole film. But once he has a bullet in the arm, he's a crying, screaming mess, which feels kind of like how most people would react if they were shot? Also one of the last truly great "real" car chases too, I think.
i especially love the emotional journey the whole first half of the movie takes you on.
To be honest, as exploitative and overly simple as it is, I find Death Proof to be much better than Tarantino's last two movies, Once Upon a Time, and hateful 8. Even on a superficial level , death proof has more iconic music, sequences, and cinematography than something that's overly long and bloated like hateful eight, a type of movie that he had already made way better in Reservoir Dogs.
I really enjoyed this movie, loved the end!
The thing I like most about death proof compared to his recent films is that it’s not a revisionist historical film
Excellent review. You're very articulate and thorough.
Death proof is the Tarantino movie I re-visit the most (the next runner up is Once upon a time in Hollywood)
I watched the grind house feature in theaters. I was only 13 years young and I snuck in to watch it. Planet terror was fun but wow. I had goosebumps and I was legit on the edge of my seat watching death proof. Such a good time.
Was in the middle of writing about how much I actually love death proof thinking you were about to pan it. It’s awesome to finally have another movie head on my side with this one 😂
I still really like Death Proof i have the extended version on dvd
I really enjoyed this double feature when it was released. It’s exploitative and trashy and self aware. Not my favorite by far, but fun. Doesn’t take itself too seriously.
You made me want to rewatch this. Not sure if you’ve ever read Ballard’s book Crash or seen the adaptation by Cronenberg, but Deathproof reminded me of that in some of its themes
What are your thoughts on both of the Sin City movies?
Actually surprised you didn't talk about the production value in this movie! All of the action and crashes in this movie were real.
I decided to watch Death Proof again just before Tarantinos latest film came out and did really enjoy it
Have you seen A Hidden Life? That was one of my favourites from 2019.
The end is so fulfilling to me.
btw ska t-shirt! pick it up, pick it up! xD
I lived watching them beat the shit out of him
What did you think of The Belko Experiment?
It was like Office Space but suspenseful instead of a comedy.
When your worst movie is on par with other director's best movies then you're doing something right.
"The Hateful Eight" is the worst in my opinion.
The last minute of this movie filled me with such giddy joy!
Dope insight. I loved this movie, i had never seen it before until recently, i guess because it wasn’t too popular.
I had different feelings about the ending. I didn’t feel bad for Mike at all. I think there were stakes because if he did that with women who were not professional stunt drivers, Mike would have killed them.
Death Proof is such a fun time I never get tired of the dialogue.
I'd love to hear your take on some Michael Mann. Heat, or collateral, or miami vice. Super macho stuff, yes. But I was surprised you went here for this one. My favorite Tarantino flick. Anyways. Love the content.
@WytchfindeNot sure how I'd never heard of that one, wow. About to check that out tonight. Thank you my man.
death proof doesn’t feel like it’s marketed toward anyone it’s just a director playing with his toys. that’s the best and worst part of the movie tho
I just watched your old video on Inglorious Bastards and to add to its underwhelming and overlooked reputation, you stated in your video that Kill Bill Vol. 2 was the last movie he made before inglorious bastards. I then saw some of your comments that seemed to pointed out that you had remembered Death Proof existed but forgot to mention it.
You kinda have to watch the original Vanishing Point and Bullitt to really get a lot of what this movie is trying to hearken to. If you see those, this movie gets better in some ways, and more disappointing in others.
I loved it too. It is a blast. Great cast knowing exactly what they were making. A great ride.
Deathproof is so much fun. I like the first half more than the second half but the ending is fantastic
I hated it, only Tarantino film I gave up on and I'm usually a fan of his work for the most part. Just didn't connect with the characters at all.
At least it's not bad as Hateful 8 and Django Unchained very overrated and I'm starting to not like Once upon a Time now.Please Quentin do a Pulp Fiction 2 before you retire.
I love Death Proof. Great homage to films like Faster Pussycat Kill Kill
I love his movies almost as much as i love your hair!
I love Death Proof I love the dialog and characters
Jackie Brown Review pls. It seems like it be your favorite Tarantino film.
You’re very very close. :)
I remember going out and seeing these and didn't care for it. It was hard to get behind in a lot of ways.
Death Proof is his most pointless film. The dialogue isn't clever or funny or interesting. The car chases are just not as gripping or scary or as exciting as he wanted them to be. The characters were all completely forgettable, with the exception of Stuntman Mike, who gets his just deserts but it's not particulaly satisfying either. The fake trailers in Grindhouse were by far the best part of the project. And of course his boring predictable foot fetish is on full display yet again.
This movie is where I really started to notice how much Tarantino loves women's feet lol
Such a good one. Not his best, but I do love Deathproof. Quite the soundtrack, too. Right this way: th-cam.com/video/wTu3SaIcZSc/w-d-xo.html
Great movie. Haven't seen Planet Terror yet but I've heard good things about it.
I did think the chase was brilliant and the ending was very good.
vibe of an era gone by ,,,,,
Planet Terror was better movie Death Proof was just a boring dialoguefest.Hey I did dig those Nachos mmm Kurt Russell knew how to eat.
You’re prettier than the chicks in Death Proof ☺️
Like it a lot more than once upon.. and also kill bill and hateful eight. More intimate, less grandiose.
Your channel is loaded with reviews of many of my favorites ... SUBSCRIBED ! (PS check out Sam Peckinpah if you are interested in revisionist westerns of the 60s and early 70s).
my favorite Tarantino film.
The fake trailers are the magic.
All the directors should make those films for Grindhouse 2.
I love the movie it's incredibly fun to watch
I much prefer Planet Terror
kurt russell was awesome ,great movie .