Deathproof: A Review.

Quentin Tarantino, 2007.

May contain spoilers!

This is the least critically acclaimed Tarantino film, but I think it may just be my favourite. Deathproof is Quentin Tarantino's homage to 70's exploitation films, and his attempt at reviving double feature, low budget horror, slasher films. This film is probably unlike anything I've seen, mainly because not many people would attempt a film, or project like this.

Deathproof was released as a double feature alongside Planet Terror, directed by long time friend, and director of Sin City, Robert Rodriguez. The project was called Grindhouse, named after the type of theatres that would usually show low budget films, similar to these two. Tarantino often would host screenings at his house, and create a double feature experience in his own cinema room, where he would invite his friends to come and watch his vast collection of films. After talking with Rodriguez, the idea quickly blossomed into Tarantino's 6th film, and was released in 2007.

Deathproof follows a man named 'Stuntman Mike', who drives a Hollywood stunt car. The murderous stuntman enjoys stalking young women, and stages car accidents in order to kill them. Kurt Russell plays Stuntman Mike, and delivers a great, deranged performance, and some of the young women he attempts to kill are portrayed by Rose McGowan, Rosario Dawson, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Zoe Bell.

The film boasts many of Tarantino's film-making hallmarks, including extensive dialogue, which helps build character profiles when the young women are introduced, a brilliant soundtrack, and of course, many shots of feet. The film is also the first time Tarantino is the cinematographer too, and you can really tell, because despite being a low budget slasher film, I personally think this is one of the best looking films he has done, up there with Django and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. As usual the music is incredible, and provides a great sound to the film, particular in car drives, and in creating a fun atmosphere at the bar where we first meet Stuntman Mike.

The film is high octane, and is clearly a film that he and the cast enjoyed making. It's a very fun watch. Deathproof is filmed in a way that makes it look as though it is an exploitation film from the 1970's with the film being deliberately damaged, to appear like it was being shipped around from theatre to theatre. This appears a lot in the first few minutes of dialogue. There is also a bit that is in black and white - almost like he was going for a scrap film effect. I often forgot that this was a film from 2007, as it recreated an old fashioned look really well. This gave me a viewer experience I had never had prior to watching Deathproof, and is why this film is like none I have ever seen before.

The film is clearly a passion project from a complete cinephile. Every task he set himself in this film he completed to such a high standard. Finished to look like an authentic, mistreated piece of 70's exploitation film? Check. Create a thrill ride for the audience that mirrors the antagonist's own mindset? Check. Made the film a fun watch from start to finish, that also gets us in the same mood as the girls are all in? Check. This film almost certainly wouldn't have worked so well if it wasn't written, directed and shot by Quentin Tarantino, probably the most knowledgeable and passionate director when it comes to homages and tributes to past eras of cinema.

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A very different film compared to anything I have ever watched, but I loved everything about it. The soundtrack was a punchy one, which made certain scenes of the film incredibly memorable, and has made me look up that certain scene on YouTube just to watch it all over again. Deathproof has such replay value, and that's what is so special. If you want a film to watch that isn't to be taken seriously, is a very easy watch thanks to the funny dialogue, great characters and punchy soundtrack, and is a cinematic experience you've never felt before, Deathproof is the film for you. I absolutely loved this film.

My Rating: 9/10