The Hateful Eight [Blu-ray]

Tarantino style film credits? CheckHaunting original score that's awesome at start and ties film together? CheckOver extended opening sequence that dwells on a sculpture of christ and some beautiful mountains? CheckBrilliantly acted by every single actor - including even Mr Tatum? CheckCouldn't look away - and had to re watch the beginning at the end? Even better second time? CheckControversial over use of racist word - but put into a context that works as an honest reflection on American's historical problems? CheckA faint whiff of trouble as this is partly produced by you know who - and leading lady not treated well - but again context of story spot on....? CheckI could go on with this list - but I think you get the idea.My favorite Mr T films are still Jackie Brown, Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction - but this comes 'mighteeee close' - just like the equally fab Django and Inglorious I get everything that Tarantino wants from his films from beginning to end - there is no let up usually ....The game changer in this film is the contrast between space and claustraphobic tension - you feel the director piningfor character and poetry in this film - thanks to the white landscapes, the amazing score and the fantastic script (again)Quentin fulfills his ambition mostly. I loved it. Was transfixed and amazed and a bit frightened too.Like Wes Anderson and Wim Wenders (our other great modern masters with their own outstanding filmic artistry and signature) youwant more of what they love to do - but end the film faintly wishing to be TOTALLY bamboozled by something completely new -because all these directors are clearly capable of doing something unexpected which would be even more brilliant....but likemany an obsessed artist - they are happy in their own sheds. And I really dont blame them.Guilermo Del Toro is my other modern director who's work I really like (OMG Pans Labyrinth) but for me he hits his style a little less full on in some films because you feel he's been waiting for the proper funding perhaps and some films are made as a route to get to his true calling (Shape of Water is his best since Pans by a mile.......) - well Quentin does not wait - he does - and that makes his work very immediate andunderstandably Tarantino esque each time. The twists and turns - through the dialogue are particularly brilliant.A must watch.....or listen........I wrote a poem after called The Hope For Higher Praise.........its a good poem thanks to this film.

Tarantino movies are 'always' something a bit special. And the hateful eight is certainly no different.What a Tarantino film offers better than any other modern movies......is great scenes with men in rooms conversing. And he doesn't mind dragging out the conversation either. Now I understand many people do not like it when a scene is dragged out. But that is because of their experiences with movies with bad dialogue that didn't need to be dragged out.Quentin has always been up at the top (if not the top) of directors and writers that can turn an average low-key dialogue scene. Into something magnificent. Being able to force career best work out of his cast. Many many times.And that's one of the things about the hateful eight that is so on point. The hateful eight cast. Nobody can ever be carried in a Tarantino film. Everyone involved knows it's going to be intensely difficult. Yet every A-lister would give their right leg to be a part of the madness. Picking out a star performance is almost impossible thanks to everyone involved. From Kurt Russell's hilarious bounty hunter performance to Jennifer Jason Leighs slapped about Daisy. To (in my opinion) a career best performance in Walton Goggins newly promoted Sheriff Chris Mannix. Other Tarantino regulars are on par here too, as you would expect. Samuel L Jackson gives Quentin his best as usual. As does Madsen and the incredibly talented Tiim Roth.Though the hateful eight will not be the best Tarantino movie you have ever seen. That's only because of the sheer masterpiece's he has directed in the past. So saying that, the hateful eight is a must-see brilliant film. There is but a few directors alive, that can place 95% of a movie in one room........yet hold the attention of an entire audience. Here be another cult classic.