by Angeliki Coconi

Created on: November 09, 2011   Last Updated: January 15, 2013

Becoming a legend right from the start, Quentin Tarantino gathered critical acclaim and awards with his debut feature film Reservoir Dogs, in 1992. A powerful story that turned into a provocative film, introducing an entirely new at the time, hip and colourful direction style, was what made Tarantino stand out in the film industry. A key turning point in American cinema, the release of Reservoir Dogs introduced new camera techniques and a steady direction that took pop-culture and turned it into high art. One of the classiest and most stylish films ever made, Reservoir Dogs was a film about a robbery that turned into a bloodbath. However the violence and bloodshed that was offered was comical and cool rather than irritating and disgusting, and the result was a smart film that became a classic.

In 1994, Tarantino created one of the most exhilarating films ever made. Pulp Fiction was a film about the lives of a group of underworld characters, sharing colourful, hilarious conversations, but being tough to the bone. With an extremely talented cast, a highly intelligent script and a brilliant direction, Pulp Fiction was the work of a pop-punk genius.

Jackie Brown was released three years later and it was based on Elmore Leonard's novel Rum Punch. Very different from his two previous films, Jackie Brown was much more relaxed in every aspect, from its script to its camera work. A cool film about a flight attendant that also launders money for an arms dealer, its direction and style was highly influenced by famous second-rate Seventies movies and the outcome was a smooth and stylish vintage looking film, different, original and, once again, extremely funny.

Tarantino's Kill Bill franchise began in 2003 and it looks like it is not yet finished. With Kill Bill: Vol.1 coming out in 2003 and Kill Bill: Vol.2 following a year later, the two films dealt with the beauty of revenge, even when it comes late, and brought Uma Therman back to the big screen with a bang. Marvelous choreography, an extremely compelling story, a perfect script, great acting and the most innovative direction, combining different styles from kung-fu flicks to Seventies grindhouse, Kill Bill was too good to end there. Kill Bill: Vol.3 is coming out in 2014.

Death Proof was released in 2007 and acquired as many fans as enemies. Powerful and confrontational, stylish and colourful, the movie was at the same time a comedy and a horror film. Following a serial lady killer that went by the name Stuntman Mike, Death Proof highly resembled a low budgeted Seventies exploitation film. With an amazing soundtrack and a terrifying direction, Tarantino came back to his audience with yet another quirky and fascinating film.

In 2009 Tarantino hit the screens with his war movie Inglourious Basterds. Dealing with various interlocking story lines taking place during the Second World War, Tarantino's latest release was an exceedingly intelligent film with excellent performances and a witty, twisted direction. Terrifying and hilarious, beautiful and artistic, Inglourious Basterds was yet another work of genius.

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