People may not have a favourite food or book, but something everyone has is a favourite film due to the fact that cinema is something everyone can enjoy. So, here at Kettle we will be running a weekly feature on our editors, and some regular writers, favourite films.
This week is a regular correspondent, music lover and Kettle’s own music editor Kealie Mardell. Be aware of spoilers.
– Emily Murray: Film Editor
This has been a truly challenging article to write. The hardest part was trying to narrow down my extensive list of favourite films to just one. Did I go for one of my childhood favourites, a musical that I always end up singing along to, or something iconic that paved the way for cinema to come? Was my favourite film the one I turn to when I’m spending a lazy Sunday in bed, or my go-to choice for a night in with some microwave popcorn? Was it a classic or a piece of modern movie making? I think it changes on a daily basis depending what mood I’m in, but this is one that definitely has a recurring place at the top of the list.
What is your favourite film?
Reservoir Dogs by Quentin Tarantino
When, and where, was the first time you saw this film? Was it a particularly memorable day/company/experience?
I can’t actually remember the first time I saw this film, but I can certainly remember the time I watched it the most.
During my a-level media studies I decided to analyse Reservoir Dogs for its unconventional narrative, compared to Christopher Nolan’s equally unusual Memento. Crafting this extensive essay involved watching Reservoir Dogs on repeat for several days, breaking down the scenes and traversing them into chronological order. Sound simple? I’d compare it to breaking down the space-time continuum, Tarantino style.
Favourite character and why?
Mr Blonde aka Vic Vega, played by Michael Madsen. Sick, twisted, and definitely a complete psychopath, he still keeps it cool with his smooth-talking ways. He might even be related to Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction, and it doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Favourite scene?
“Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right…here I am…”
I cannot hear this song without picturing one of the most memorable torture scenes; Mr Blonde, becoming increasingly more psychotic by the moment, slicing off the ear of a kidnapped police officer.
You’ve got a gross juxtaposition of comedic music and dialogue, thrown up against gratuitous violence. In the Quentin Tarantino Interviews, Tarantino said: “You’re supposed to laugh until I stop you laughing.”
Favourite quote?
“Are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite?”
Who would you like to be in the film?
(Spoiler alert) The one that lives.
I’d have to say Mr Pink, because otherwise I would have been shot, most likely for the wrong reasons as you can’t trust anybody to tell you the truth in this film. Everyone is out to get to you and its every man for himself.
Why is it your favourite?
As I said, it was exceptionally hard for me to pick just one favourite, but I think it was inevitable that my choice would be a Tarantino. My favourite director (closely followed by Tim Burton) his films just never get old no matter how many times I’ve watched them.
I like a puzzle, a twisted plot, something that leaves you thinking. Whether it’s a heist film without the heist, revenge on an assassination squad, drug deals and a life of crime, slavery or war, Tarantino is a directing genius.
