Reservoir Dogs: Stuck In The Middle With You

We start at the beginning of Tarantino's directing career. Reservoir Dogs (1992) is dialogue heavy heist movie that sets the stage for the rest of Tarantino's films. This neo noir classic and cult hit was centered around events following a botched diamond heist. This film features all the Tarantino staples: violence, crime, pop culture references and profanity. Starring Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn, Lawrence Tierney and Tim Roth, this film was the beginning of Tarantino's critical and commercial success.

The pivotal and chilling scene in this movie is the torture scene. In this scene we see Mr Blonde (Michael Madsen) "interrogating" a cop captured during the heist escape.

Straight Razor in action

The classic 1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

During this scene we can observe interesting uses of mise en scène to help foster understanding of the environment and characters. Corrigan identifies a "film's material world" as "actual objects and people set in authentic locations" (65). In the pursuit of this authenticity, Tarantino uses contextual and periodically correct props and costume. This is a feature used heavily by Tarantino in many of his films. In Reservoir Dogs however, it is used to lend authenticity to the time and position of the characters and set. The straight razor, suits, radio and retro automobile are all indicative of the 70's culture he wishes to emulate. These objects help to foster the film's 'scenic realism'. This realism also assists in fleshing out the set choice. The use of a warehouse flush with natural lighting and interesting decor is all strategic. 

Note the Shrink wrapped car in the background

Notably, shrink wrapped cars and furniture help to illustrate an understanding of the situation. Shrink wrap being used as a way of keeping blood off valuables. Tarantino uses these example of mise en scène to illustrate the heist feel of the movie. The warehouse set is what you would expect from a professional heist crew, making it an "authentic location"(65). 

The torture continues...

Tarantino's use of props extends to the gasoline can as well, and it's use as an "instrumental prop". Corrigan describes these props as "objects displayed and used according to their functions". Macabre as it may be, using gasoline to burn someone alive would be using it according to it's function. However we don't get to see the periodically correct Zippo Lighter ignite it as Mr Orange (Tim Roth) shoots Mr Blonde. Just like the straight razor and the lighter, all of the props are correct for their time period. This attention to detail is what helps Tarantino illustrate deep, believable worlds and stories. With this in mind we continue onward to our next film in this series: Pulp Fiction.