Death Proof (2007)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Girls and the Stalker

“Death Proof,” directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a grindhouse-style thriller that follows two groups of women stalked by a mysterious stuntman named Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell). The film is divided into two distinct halves, each focusing on a different set of women.

The first half introduces us to a group of friends—Arlene (Vanessa Ferlito), Shanna (Jordan Ladd), and radio DJ Jungle Julia (Sydney Tamiia Poitier)—enjoying a night out in Austin, Texas. They are unaware that they are being stalked by Stuntman Mike, who drives a heavily modified, “death proof” car.

The Car Crash

After a night of partying, the girls encounter Mike, who offers Arlene a ride in his car. The car, equipped to protect Mike during high-speed crashes, is anything but safe for passengers. Mike deliberately causes a horrific collision, killing the girls in a gruesome display of vehicular mayhem. However, he survives without a scratch due to his car’s “death proof” design.

The Second Group of Women

The second half of the film shifts to a new group of women: Abernathy (Rosario Dawson), Kim (Tracie Thoms), Lee (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Zoë Bell (playing herself). These women are strong, independent, and working in the film industry. Unbeknownst to them, Stuntman Mike has set his sights on them as his next targets.

The High-Speed Chase

In a thrilling turn of events, Zoë Bell, who is a professional stuntwoman, decides to test-drive a 1970 Dodge Challenger and perform a dangerous stunt called “Ship’s Mast”—where she clings to the hood of the car while it’s speeding down the highway. During this stunt, Mike attacks them with his car, initiating a heart-pounding chase.

The Revenge

Unlike the first group of women, these ladies fight back. After a tense and adrenaline-fueled chase, they manage to turn the tables on Mike. They relentlessly pursue him, ultimately overpowering and killing him in a satisfying act of revenge.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with the second group of women defeating Stuntman Mike. After a harrowing chase, they catch up to him, drag him out of his car, and beat him to death. The final shot is a freeze-frame of the women triumphantly celebrating their victory.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Death Proof” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Death Proof” is a grindhouse-style horror-thriller, paying homage to exploitation films of the 1970s. It combines elements of slasher films with high-octane car chases.

Cast

Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike
Rosario Dawson as Abernathy
Zoë Bell as Zoë Bell
Tracie Thoms as Kim
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Lee
Sydney Tamiia Poitier as Jungle Julia
Vanessa Ferlito as Arlene
Jordan Ladd as Shanna
Rose McGowan as Pam

Film Music and Composer

The film’s soundtrack is a mix of classic rock, funk, and soul tracks, selected by Quentin Tarantino himself. Notable songs include:

“Baby It’s You” by Smith
“Hold Tight!” by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
“Down in Mexico” by The Coasters

The music plays a significant role in setting the film’s retro vibe and enhancing its tense atmosphere.

Filming Locations

Austin, Texas: Various locations around Austin are used, giving the first half of the movie a distinctly Texan flavor.
Lebanon, Tennessee: The second half, featuring the rural roads where the car chase takes place, was shot in Tennessee.

These locations were chosen to evoke the gritty, rural feel typical of grindhouse films.

Awards and Nominations

Though “Death Proof” didn’t win major awards, the Cannes Film Festival nominated it for the Palme d’Or in 2007, and critics praised it for its homage to classic exploitation cinema.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Quentin Tarantino cast Zoë Bell, who was Uma Thurman’s stunt double in “Kill Bill,” in a leading role, showcasing her real stunt abilities.
Kurt Russell’s character was inspired by classic movie villains and anti-heroes, with Tarantino writing the role specifically for him.
The film was originally part of a double feature called “Grindhouse,” paired with Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror.”

Inspirations and References

Grindhouse Cinema: The film is a direct homage to the low-budget exploitation films of the 1970s, characterized by over-the-top violence, car chases, and scantily clad women.
1971 Dodge Challenger: The car used in the second half of the film is a nod to the car from the 1971 film “Vanishing Point,” one of Tarantino’s favorite movies.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Although no widely known alternate endings exist, they trimmed some scenes for pacing, especially the dialogue-heavy moments that are a Tarantino trademark.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“Death Proof” is an original screenplay by Quentin Tarantino and is not based on a book, so there are no adaptations or differences to discuss.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Stuntman Mike’s Introduction: The eerie first encounter with Stuntman Mike at the bar.
The Car Crash: The brutal and shocking car crash that kills the first group of girls.
Ship’s Mast: Zoë Bell clinging to the hood of the speeding Dodge Challenger.

Iconic Quotes

“This car is 100% death proof. Only to get the benefit of it, honey, you really need to be sitting in my seat.” – Stuntman Mike
“Because I’m a chick, you know. I like to giggle, and I like to do girly stuff.” – Kim
“You know how people say, ‘You’re okay in my book,’ or, ‘In my book, that’s no good’? Well, I actually have a book.” – Jungle Julia

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The license plate on Stuntman Mike’s car, “JJZ-109,” is a reference to Steve McQueen’s Mustang in the movie “Bullitt.”
The film features several nods to other Tarantino movies, including a reference to “Big Kahuna Burger” from “Pulp Fiction.”

Trivia

Quentin Tarantino performed some of the driving stunts himself.
The film was shot in reverse chronological order, with the car chase scenes filmed first.
Kurt Russell had to get used to driving the “death proof” car, as it was a modified stunt vehicle.

Why Watch?

“Death Proof” is a thrilling, stylish homage to 1970s grindhouse cinema, featuring intense car chases, memorable characters, and Tarantino’s trademark dialogue. It’s a unique film experience, blending nostalgia with high-octane action.