There are many beloved directors in Hollywood-- from Christopher Nolan to Steven Spielberg. 
However, there is no director quite like Quentin Tarantino. 
With “Django Unchained” receiving a best picture nomination, it marks the third time Tarantino has received this nomination. In this four-part retrospective of his career, Tarantino’s greatest movies will analyzed: “Reservoir Dogs,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill” and “Django Unchained.”  His movies have been deemed by countless critics as “timeless classics.”
 However, do these movies hold up to this day, and are they as good as people say?  
“Reservoir Dogs”
In Quentin Tarantino’s filmmaking debut, he presented a heist movie without the heist. So, from the very beginning, Tarantino was taking interesting chances as a filmmaker, and “Reservoir Dogs” is by definition an interesting choice. 
The plot is six criminals who know nothing about one another, except for their codenames: Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), Mr. Blond (Michael Madison), Mr. Blue (Edward Bunker) and Mr. Brown (Quentin Tarantino). 
The heist, which we never see, goes wrong. Mr. Blue and Mr. Brown are killed in the crossfire, and Mr. Orange was shot in the stomach. 
They start pointing fingers at each other, trying to find out which one of them “ratted” to the cops. 
The plot is amazingly paced. From the opening diner scene, where we get to know the “dogs” and their personalities, the failed heist, the accusations and paranoia fill up. 
There is never a dull moment, and it adds to the suspense masterfully. 
The performances are all solid. However, the stand-out performances include Michael Madison as Mr. Blond, a sociopathic ex-con who loves to torture cops. His performance is so subtle, it’s chilling. He never takes the role over-the-top. Also, Steve Buscemi can play a weasel with the best of them. The role is comedic, but it remains in the realm of realism. 
When it comes to characters, Tarantino is the master of giving them depth. All of the protagonists are horrible, murderous thieves, but they all have redeeming qualities. For example, Mr. Blond is a sadist who gleefully tortures and kills people on a whim. However, it is subtly shown throughout the movie that he is loyal. He won’t turn his back on his bosses for his own personal gain. He isn’t selfish and is a team player. 
Tarantino is also known for his dialogue, because every one of his movies has realistic banter within a far-fetched premise. 
This is more prominent in “Pulp Fiction,” however, this movie is no exception. The opening scene is a shining example of this. The dogs are at the diner discussing topics such as the true meaning of the Madonna song, “Like a Virgin” and if people should really be tipping waitresses. 
These are conversations I’d have with my friends and gives the movie a sense of realism not in other movies. 
The Tarantino-esque violence in “Reservoir Dogs” is actually dialed back. 
There is a ton of blood, and a character has his ear cut off with a straight razor. However, for Tarantino, it’s very tame. Also, the violence serves a purpose to the plot.  
“Reservoir Dogs” is not only my favorite Quentin Tarantino movie, it’s also my favorite movie of all time. 
I love the concept, the characters and the social commentary of the paranoia most people have within and how willing they are to start pointing fingers at the first sign of trouble. 
The direction and writing is flawless. Join me next month when I review Tarantino’s most successful film, “Pulp Fiction.”