True Romance (1993)
People tend to think, oh, this is that one film that was written by Tarantino, but directed by someone else (though that someone is an established director). What they forget to mention, is that this film is actually better than most, if not all his films. Yeah, it is pretty violent. Yeah, it does get cheesy at points, but they all enhance the experience for this film. It truly makes for an entertaining fest of guns, romance, and just Tarantino.
I am not the biggest fan of Tony Scott, granted he has made some fun films, like Unstoppable. However, here his direction is actually good! It's nicely shot in that 90s crime format that I love so much. And he expertly handles the cheesy love moments well along with the bloody, over the top action scenes along with the humor. It's his best film to date, and I really felt he had talent.
The best moments of the film focus more on Clarence's borderline obsession with Elvis Presley. These moments can be comical, and trust me, they are so funny. But these reveal a lot about Clarence himself. He's a good hearted man, but he's too hotheaded to think straight. At times, he lets his emotions get the best. In fact, had he not been so emotional, the events of the film wouldn't happen. The Elvis Presley moments are some of the best moments in the film....Not to mention Val Kilmer plays it excellently.
The acting in this film is phenomenal. Christian Slater, who's been on a huge slump, is fit to play the role of Clarence. He's got that thing where he can talk slickly and act cool, but when you notice what he's saying, you realize he's a creep. Yeah, that kinda thing. Christopher Walken is in the film for a short 10 minutes, but those 10 minutes were the greatest 10 minutes ever....Not to mention he was in the scene with Dennis Hopper. Two great actors, one great scene. Brad Pitt comes in as a stoner, but he's more of a side character, but he's very likable and I think Chase Nyland would enjoy his moments. Samuel L. Jackson has a small cameo as a random gangsta who, quote-on-quote, "loves to eat pussy." Oh, and there's Gary Oldman, who I did not recognize until afterward. He plays a wigger that is the root of the problem, and yeah, he's amazing. If you don't like the film, you must admit, there is some top notch acting going on.
Lots of people think Tarantino's name can help a bandwagon, but they're wrong. There have been blunders on Tarantino's account that I cannot forget. However, with True Romance, he hits the nail on the head. He writes a wonderful script, filled with likable characters and moments of pure awe. I can see why people would think that this film is just some random love film, with action scenes. And some people might hate that. However, since I grew up on romance films, I've had a personal bond to them. And seeing Tarantino make a parody of them, makes me feel right at home. I guess I had so much fun with pointing out the romance tropes that Tarantino and Scott were making fun of, that I would feel bad if I didn't give this a 10/10. It truly deserves it....
Also, points for the name, which is a play on all the cheesy, sappy romance books/films on the 50s.
10/10
