Lecture on 80s Movies and Critiques by Quentin Tarantino

Overview

• Discussion on why the 80s and 50s were considered the worst times for movies.
• Focus on the 80s as a period of self-censorship.
• Quentin Tarantino’s perspective on 80s movies.

Tarantino's Criticism of the 80s

• Described the 80s as a "ballless decade."
• Identified a few films from the decade he respects.

Notable Films of the 80s According to Tarantino

1. Year of the Dragon

• Director: Michael Cimino
• Production: Faced backlash; labeled racist and violent.
• Plot: Mickey Rourke as a Vietnam vet turned NYPD officer combating Chinese mobster.
• Critique:
  • Received protests from Chinese American groups.
  • Tarantino appreciates the final shootout scene.

2. Manhunter

• Director: Michael Mann
• Basis: Adaptation of 'Red Dragon' with Brian Cox as Dr. Lecter.
• Box Office: Failed commercially.
• Critique:
  • Tarantino prefers it over 'Silence of the Lambs.'
  • Noted for its cold, methodical style.
  • David Lynch initially considered directing.

3. Breathless

• Starring: Richard Gere
• Plot: A small-time criminal’s journey with a young girl.
• Critique:
  • Originally disliked by critics.
  • Tarantino liked its stylish, pop culture vibe.

4. 8 Million Ways to Die

• Director: Hal Ashby
• Production: Faced internal chaos, script rewrites.
• Critique:
  • Tarantino sees it as chaotic but brilliant.

5. Flesh and Blood

• Director: Paul Verhoeven
• Setting: Medieval Europe
• Production: Notorious for on-set difficulties.
• Critique:
  • Tarantino praises its realistic portrayal of the era.

6. Near Dark

• Director: Kathryn Bigelow
• Plot: A horror-western about a gang of vampires.
• Box Office: Failed due to studio bankruptcy.
• Critique:
  • Tarantino admired the massacre scene.
  • Cast featured actors from 'Aliens.'

Conclusion

• Tarantino's appreciation for these films highlights his admiration for stylistic and unconventional storytelling despite their commercial failures.