As I delve deeper into the Tarantino sphere I find myself watching the strangest, craziest films in existence. One such film is vampire cult classic, From Dusk Till Dawn. While Mr. Quentin Tarantino both wrote the screenplay and starred in the film, he did not in fact direct it. It was directed by Robert Rodriguez. You may be wondering why the name of this film sounds familiar. It's probably because Robert Rodriguez has decided to remake the classic into a TV series by the same name which aired this year. Admittedly, that's how I heard about the film in the first place.
This isn't your typical complex storyline, genius art that we normally see from Tarantino. In fact, it may be the complete opposite. While the dialogue certainly has that Tarantino-esque flavour to it the actual plot of the film is very much "let's slay some vampires". It's frequently labelled a B grade film and for good reason. It's sloppy in terms of storytelling. There's no character development (unless you count Kate becoming a badass) and there seems little purpose to it at all.
The film stars George Clooney (I know right...) as recent prison escapee Seth Gecko who along with his unnecessarily violent and rape-y brother Richie (played by Tarantino) robs a bank and tries to make it across the border into Mexico with the help of a travelling pastor (Harvey Keitel) and his two children. All appears to be going well until the Gecko brothers are instructed to meet drug lord Carlos with their money at a nude bar called "The Titty Twister", tasteful, I know. Unbeknownst to the brothers, the bar is actually a haven for endless blood-thirsty vampires who feast on the truckers and bikers that wander in. The second half of the film is predominantly staking and killing vampires. And no, not the sparkly, Edward Cullen kind, I'm talking grotesque, horrific THINGS. I don't know if it's just me but somehow I feel like that's how vampires are supposed to look.
The most iconic scene, and perhaps the films only redeeming quality, is Santánico's snake dance. She's played by a very scantily clad Salma Hayek who dances with a snake wrapped around her neck. She saunters over to an awestruck Richie Gecko and does the whole "I'm going to pour whiskey into your mouth using my foot" thing. Not quite sure what that's about but other than Clooney's "Be cool" line, it's probably the most memorable moment in the film. I'm not going to post a clip here but you'll find it on YouTube no doubt.
I have a few questions regarding this film:
1. Why, when writing the script for a character you are playing, would you make him a violent rapist? I know Tarantino's twisted and everything but yikes.
2. Why does no-one explain why Richie is so psychotic? Fortunately, this is something that is explored in the TV series so kudos to Mr. Rodriguez.
3. Why are the vampires so easy to kill? Now I'm not saying they didn't put up a fight but Seth pretty much dropped a chandelier on Santántico and boom, dead.
Rodriguez sort of has a second chance with the TV series. From what I've seen of it so far, it certainly takes its time around character development and backstory which I think is incredibly important. If drawn out and re-written properly plot-wise, I think this film could have some real, solid, material. However, as it stands, the film doesn't seem particularly impressive or special to me.
If you're not easily offended by violence and nudity then I'd check it out but it's definitely not a must-see. In fact, if you're going to watch anything, I'd watch the TV series. I've only seen two episodes thus far and it's already better than the film. No offence Tarantino! I still love you!
CUT
4/10
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