The Latest from Cactus Tactical: Taking a look at 3 Quentin Tarantino Films

Gunfights & Film

Today we take a look at some of our favorite films directed by the very talented and unconventional Quentin Tarantino. Known for his iconic films such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction; Tarantino always delivers action, complex story lines and unique dialogue. Shootouts and plot twists are standard fare for these cinematic adventures and once you fall down this rabbit hole you know that your in for a wild but satisfying ride. I could talk about these films for days but let's focus on the guns and the glory of our favorites.

#1 - Reservoir Dogs - The first Tarantino flick to make it's impact on the film world was released in 1992 and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. But prior to that the script had landed in the hands of Harvey Keitel, who is also a co-producer for the film, and the movie kept it's independent status but had a backer with some clout which allowed for some interesting casting. The film was also picked up by Miramax after it's Sundance debut. Although it's known for violent overtones there is more implied movie violence than there is actual violence in the scenes. Most well known of these is the scene with the ear but we're here to discuss the gun use in this particular film.

The plot line of this particular film focuses on a heist committed by a group of men who are given names of colors to hide their identities. We have Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), Mr. Brown ( Quentin Tarantino), Mr. Blue ( Edward Bunker) and it's all headed by Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) & his son Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn). Tarantino takes us on a journey through the back stories of our most critical characters as it's revealed that this heist has gone wrong in every possible way. There weren't a lot of guns used in this film but the scenes they were used in were etched in our memory. It's tough to pick just one epic shootout but I'm going to take a look at the scene known as "the Mexican stand off" scene. In the film this scene is called "Sniffing Out A Rat".

Mr. White holds his Smith & Wesson 639 on Joe.

Eddie (Chris Penn) aims his Model 66 Snub at Mr. White.

https://youtu.be/ljjRZe6g5EM

If you need a movie that is action packed with some throwback flare & finesse this film is for you. If you have watched it and haven't done so recently make sure to check it out. For more information on the guns used in this film go to http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Reservoir_Dogs

#2- Inglorious Basterds- A film set in World War 2, Quentin gives us a look at what may or may not have happened in Europe during that time period. The film was released in 2009 and was a glimpse into a history according to the ever imaginative Tarantino. Inglorious Basterds takes us on a trek through the lives of the rebellion of Shoshana, the strange fates of the Basterds themselves and the merciless, methodical manners of SS colonel Hans Landa, the "Jew Hunter". The plot line is thick with unexpected turns and heavy dependence on subtitles for the unusual exchanges between each group of players. Included in this movies cinematic greatness is a fantastic use of the era's weaponry and the gun fight scenes are plentiful.

One of the more well known and well loved scenes features the unfortunate portion of the Basterds that has gone to meet up with an American sympathizer with information of what's necessary to attempt to assassinate some of the Nazi party in a movie theater. This meeting is to take place in an underground pub that is not usually inhabited by Nazi soldiers. However, on this particular evening there is the unexpected arrival of not just one or two soldiers but many more than the Basterds were ever prepared to deal with. Once their cover is blown, the Basterds have no choice but to engage in a deadly shoot out. The tension in this flick is palatable but more so in this scene than anywhere else.

Hellstrom keeps his P38 on Hicox even as Hicox and Stiglitz pull PPKs on him.

Wilhelm aims his MP40 at Bridget.

https://youtu.be/XWgHiUZYRSo

Another one of my favorite elements of this movie is the use of small arms and modified arms. The pistol glove is a fine example of this, creative and clever. Two of the Inglorious Basterds manage to actually execute part of the original plan and put to use an interesting piece of equipment towards the climatic ending of this movie.

OSS Pistol Glove.

Donny loads a .38-caliber round into the OSS pistol glove.

A sneaky little modification with a punch and if it jammed you could still deliver a punch with a little power. Would you have incorporated this item into your armory?

If you haven't had a chance to watch this flick, you'll want to get it immediately.For more on the weapons used in this film go to http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Inglorious_Basterds_(2009)

#3- Django- Set in the South and released in 2012. Avant guard filmmaking is just one of the things Tarantino is known for, also tackling subject matter that most directors wouldn't touch. Including this story of Dr. King Schultz and his partner in bounty hunting, Django, in pre- Civil War era America and their search for Django's wife Broomhilda. This film is filled with the usual amount of violence, intriguing twists and plenty of excitement. When our main characters hear about the location of Broomhilda they immediately begin to devise a way to save her from the harsh world known as "Candyland", the plantation of a wealthy and powerful man named Calvin Candie. In order to free this spouse Dr. Schultz and Django must combine their skills in violence as well as acting to pull off their plan.

One of the most acclaimed gunfight scenes in toward the end of the film when Django has his shootout at Candyland. This particular scene starts at the hands of Dr. Shultz who cannot walk away from the pretentious and offensive Mr. Candie in his challenge to have his hand shook at the end of the tumultuous deal for Broomhilda's freedom.

Django holds the Remington 1858 New Army

In a deleted scene from the trailer, Django (Jamie Foxx) spins a Remington 1858 New Army in his right hand and a Colt 1851 Navy in his left hand. On the left, the color of the blood spatter was darkened in order to pass MPAA standards for "Green Band" trailers.

https://youtu.be/QbmDpEhAp48

A piece of machinery we find fascinating in this film is the Cobra "Big Bore" Derringer that Dr. Shultz uses as a secondary weapon.

A production image shows Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) firing his Derringer.

What all Tarantino films have in common is the non-linear plot lines and wildly colorful characters that take us into their varied worlds of vice, seedy venues of movie violence and cinematic arcs. If you are just beginning your travels into the world of this director you had best be in a mood to get a little twisted. If you are already a fan then you know the excitement I have for Tarantino's newest film: The Hateful Eight.

For more info on the guns used in Django please continue reading here: http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Django_Unchained

What's your favorite Quentin Tarantino film? Do you have a favorite scene?

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Labels: cinema, films, gunfights, guns, iconic, movies, quentin tarantino