(spoiler free)
The aptly named 8th film from Quentin Tarantino was one of my most anticipated films of the year. This is the first time I have seen a Tarantino film in the cinemas as I only finished watching all of his previous films last year. Tarantino hasn’t made a bad movie, it’s always a treat to watch one of his creations and of course ‘The Hateful Eight’ was no different!
Quentin Tarantino is probably the most creative film-maker working today. It’s so refreshing to watch a film with such an original story. It’s not based on a true story, it’s not a biopic, nor is it a remake or a reboot it’s straight from the mad imagination of such a fantastic artist. Tarantino makes film and going to the cinema exciting, you can tell that he takes the time with his work. This means that he maybe has made fewer films than other directors working today but I challenge you to find a director with such a high quality complete filmography as him. During ‘The Hateful Eight’ I was able to get completely lost into this world that Tarantino had created. The small enclosed setting of the film adds so much to the atmosphere and enjoyment of the story. The film is nearly three hours long and you know I would have happily watched it for another hour. The time never becomes an issue and it’s actually necessary to flesh out characters and the story. The film uses time so well and the Tarantino trademark of dividing the movie into chapters here is once again employed, with great effect.
I mentioned in my review for ‘Jackie Brown’ how Tarantino used music to his advantage making scenes with nothing happening in them ridiculously engaging. Once again he manages this here, with fairly standard opening titles becoming an enthralling watch. Much credit should be given to Ennio Morricone who composed the original music for the film. ‘The Hateful Eight’ is at its most entertaining when this score is playing in the background. You’d think that you’d get tired of directors casting the same actors over and over again but Tarantino proves that when done right this is a great strategy for success. Frequent collaborators like Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Kurt Russell and Michael Madsen remind us how great they are at playing Tarantino’s wonderful characters. Plus two more fresh talents in the shape of Walter Goggins and Jennifer Jason Leigh also deliver fantastic performances surely guaranteeing their return to future projects of the director.
It’s a shame that I did find a few teeny, tiny issues with the movie but I have to share them. On a couple of occasions Tarantino narrates the movie for a short while. This happens rather abruptly and it just took me out of the story ever so slightly, it wasn’t necessary either as it’s quite obvious what is happening in the movie anyway. My other flaw would be some of the casting in the smaller roles, these had a similar effect that the narration did – they just reminded me I was watching a Tarantino movie rather than allowing me to be immersed into the story as I had previously been. Nonetheless these are minuscule issues that won’t effect your overall viewing of the movie.
As I’ve said already ‘The Hateful Eight’ is a wonderfully creative and original movie, something that we are definitely lacking in cinema today. It’s always special to watch a Tarantino movie and there are so many wonderful elements here. The music and the way it is used is great, the main cast are perfect in their roles being extremely entertaining throughout and time is used so well here meaning that you’ll have a blast from start to finish. ‘The Hateful Eight’ has already established itself within my all time favourite Quentin Tarantino movies, I think it could do the same for you.
Rating – 9/10
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