Quentin Tarantino returns in his eighth movie, The Hateful Eight or The H8ful Eight. Boasting an impressive cast (and some stalwart Tarantino regulars), The Hateful Eight is an epic quasi-Western with a run time of just over 3 hours including a 10 minute interval. I was lucky enough to visit the Odeon in London’s Leicester Square, so was in the fancy room that they all do the premier’s in. As it has the benefit of lovely curtains and fancy seats, I think the 70mm Panavision Roadshow presentation was complete and the best way to watch it, rather than at my local down the road. It felt more theatrical to me in this way. However, let’s cut to the chase here, we must talk about the movie rather than the fact I was in a swish cinema environment.
As we entered we had the benefit of a programme (included in the ticket price) which told us more about the unique way in which Tarantino had presented this movie, a style in which has not been done since the 1960’s. The movie is broken down into chapters, not unlike other films of his, and after a rather lengthy “overture” by legendary music maestro Ennio Morricone we are out in a snow coated landscape and a stagecoach powering through until it is stopped by a very cold and snow covered Samuel L. Jackson. After taking him on board, the stagecoach travellers the hangman (Kurt Russell with a 'tash to be proud of) and the prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh), head towards Red Rock so Kurt can take his prisoner to hang for murder. As the trio continue, they encounter Chris Mannix (Walter Goggins) who claims to be the new sheriff of Red Rock. Reluctantly they give him a ride and as snow storm comes in, they hole up at the establishment known as Minnie’s Haberdashery until it all blows over.
From there we meet the other four of the eight – including Michael Madsen, Tim Roth and two others. However, the whole movie from there evolves into a thriller/whodunit and is specifically stays within the confines of the cabin they are all trying to shelter from the storm from. This set up lends itself to a more theatre-style presentation with Tarantino overtones. The first half of the movie is heavy on typical Tarantino banter, a lot of it inconsequential or merely to get a glimpse of the characters motivations. It’s not until the final throes of part one – where Samuel L. Jackson’s character breaks into a big speech with a shock ending. By the time you return from the 10 minute interval, you are ready to see the conclusion to this set up that has lasted the length of the first part.
The Hateful Eight is a worthy addition to the Tarantino productions; complete with all the hallmarks you would want if you are a fan. For the casual viewer, however, it is high on banter but low on action until the last quarter of the film. Although many films would do a similar thing, the last quarter of this movie is after 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is longer than the average movie. I always have been a fan of Tarantino’s work and appreciate that he tries to do things a bit differently – playing around with genres (like From Dusk Til Dawn) or timelines (Pulp Fiction), and his creation of the art of conversation. All of these things are included in his latest movie, and so is his ongoing creativity
and attempt to make cinema not just a night out but an experience.
Well acted, different and contains all the hallmarks of a Tarantino movie, The Hateful Eight is another great Tarantino movie that is worth a watch – especially at a cinema. However those accustomed to action my find it a hard slog as much of it is talking until the final quarter which gets a bit more exciting, Overall, a great film.
The Hateful Eight was presented at most cinemas (except Cineworld) and is available in 70mm roadshow format and normal format too.
POPSCORE: 8/10
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