Detailed Summary
The Opening Diner Massacre
The film opens with Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory Knox (Juliette Lewis) embarking on a killing spree in a rural diner. This intense sequence, featuring brutal violence set to a rock soundtrack, introduces their chaotic, nihilistic world and relationship. After a gruesome slaughter, the couple leaves one survivor to spread their “message.”
Media Sensation: The Birth of Celebrity Killers
As Mickey and Mallory continue their killing spree across the country, they become infamous media sensations. The film satirizes the media’s obsession with violence through characters like Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.), a sleazy TV journalist who glorifies the couple. The film’s hyper-stylized visuals, erratic editing, and rapid camera shifts mirror the chaotic media landscape.
The Snakebite and Capture
Mickey and Mallory’s spree is interrupted when they’re bitten by snakes in the desert, leading to their capture. In prison, they are held in solitary confinement, awaiting trial and the death penalty. Despite their incarceration, their fame continues to grow, especially through Wayne Gale’s exploitative TV specials.
The Prison Riot and Final Showdown
The climax occurs during a live interview hosted by Wayne Gale inside the prison. Mickey and Mallory use the chaos to incite a prison riot. They take Gale hostage, forcing him to help them escape while recording their journey. In a tense final confrontation, Mickey and Mallory kill Gale, declaring that they’re retiring from the spotlight and will disappear into anonymity.
The Movie’s Ending
The film concludes with Mickey and Mallory living off the grid, free from society but still clearly in love. They have a family now and have left behind their life of crime—or so it seems. The film ends with a montage of violent imagery and satirical news clips, reinforcing its critique of media sensationalism.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Natural Born Killers” does not feature any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
The film is a satirical crime thriller, blending elements of dark comedy, psychological drama, and social commentary. It’s known for its highly stylized visuals and unflinching violence.
Cast
- Woody Harrelson as Mickey Knox
- Juliette Lewis as Mallory Knox
- Robert Downey Jr. as Wayne Gale
- Tommy Lee Jones as Warden Dwight McClusky
- Tom Sizemore as Detective Jack Scagnetti
- Rodney Dangerfield as Ed Wilson (Mallory’s abusive father)
Film Music and Composer
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails produced the film’s eclectic soundtrack, blending rock, country, industrial, and pop music. The soundtrack features standout tracks like Leonard Cohen’s “The Future” and “Waiting for the Miracle,” which amplify the film’s surreal and chaotic atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- New Mexico Desert: Many key scenes, including the desert snakebite scene and the opening diner massacre, were filmed in the New Mexico desert, contributing to the film’s gritty, desolate aesthetic.
- Stateville Correctional Center, Illinois: The crew filmed the prison riot scenes here, bringing a gritty realism to the film’s depiction of institutional violence and chaos.
- Route 666, Arizona: Known for its eerie reputation, this location added to the film’s dark, mythic Americana vibe.
These locations reflect the film’s surreal take on the American road movie and outlaw legend.
Awards and Nominations
- Venice Film Festival: Won the Special Jury Prize.
- Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Director (Oliver Stone) and Best Actress (Juliette Lewis).
- Chicago Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Juliette Lewis).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film was originally a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, but Oliver Stone made significant changes, creating tension between the two filmmakers.
- Rodney Dangerfield improvised much of his performance as Mallory’s abusive father, which added to the unsettling and surreal atmosphere of those flashback scenes.
- The frenetic editing and rapid style changes were intentional to reflect the media’s role in glamorizing violence.
Inspirations and References
- Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino wrote the original script, though his version was more straightforward and focused less on the media satire.
- True Crime Influence: The film was loosely inspired by real-life outlaw couples like Bonnie and Clyde and Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate.
- Media Critique: The film’s biting satire draws on contemporary media culture, especially the obsession with celebrity criminals.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The creators included several deleted scenes and alternate versions, such as an extended prison riot sequence. The Director’s Cut showcases more intense violence and longer scenes that were shortened in the theatrical release.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film draws inspiration from real-life criminal couples and critiques of media culture, similar to those explored in *In Cold Blood* by Truman Capote. Tarantino’s original screenplay also offers insight into the differences in tone and character emphasis.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Mallory’s Flashback Sequence: Presented as a twisted sitcom, this sequence highlights her abusive upbringing with dark humor and surreal imagery.
- Wayne Gale’s Live Interview with Mickey: A pivotal moment where the film’s themes of media sensationalism and exploitation reach their peak.
- The Prison Riot: The chaotic climax, blending violence, satire, and dark humor in an anarchic explosion.
Iconic Quotes
- “Mickey and Mallory Knox are not just killers. They are mass murderers. They are celebrities.” – Wayne Gale
- “Love beats the demon.” – Mickey Knox
- “The media made them superstars.” – Opening voiceover
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Throughout the film, you can spot quick flashes of disturbing images, such as skulls or demonic faces, during moments of heightened emotion, reflecting the characters’ inner turmoil.
- During the sitcom flashback scene, laugh tracks are used ironically to enhance the horror of Mallory’s abusive childhood.
- The recurring use of the American flag, often distorted or covered in blood, serves as a critique of American culture’s desensitization to violence.
Trivia
- The film was heavily edited and received an NC-17 rating before cuts were made to secure an R rating.
- Oliver Stone was influenced by surrealist and avant-garde techniques, incorporating rapid scene changes and visual distortions.
- The soundtrack was as important as the dialogue to Stone, resulting in a unique mix that plays almost continuously throughout the film.
Why Watch?
“Natural Born Killers” is an audacious, visually striking critique of media culture, celebrity, and violence. Its blend of dark humor, social commentary, and stylistic innovation makes it a unique cinematic experience that remains relevant.
Director’s Other Movies
- Platoon (1986)
- Wall Street (1987)
- Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
- JFK (1991)
- The Doors (1991)
Recommended Films for Fans
- A Clockwork Orange (1971)
- Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
- The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
- American Psycho (2000)
- True Romance (1993)
