Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Reservoir Dogs is a crime thriller film directed by Quentin Tarantino in his directorial debut. The film is known for its nonlinear storytelling, sharp dialogue, and graphic violence. It focuses on the aftermath of a botched diamond heist and the tensions that arise among the criminals involved.
The Story Unfolds
The Heist and Its Aftermath
The film opens with eight men having breakfast at a diner. They discuss various topics, including tipping and Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.” These men are professional criminals brought together by Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) for a diamond heist. Each man is given a color-coded alias to protect their identities: Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), Mr. Brown (Quentin Tarantino), Mr. Blue (Eddie Bunker), and Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn), Joe’s son.
The Botched Heist
The heist goes horribly wrong, and the film’s main events take place in a warehouse where the surviving criminals regroup. Mr. White arrives with a critically wounded Mr. Orange, who has been shot. As more gang members arrive, they try to piece together what happened and who among them might be a police informant.
The Climax and Resolution
Rising Tensions
Tensions rise as the criminals become increasingly paranoid. Mr. Pink believes the heist was a setup, and the group becomes suspicious of each other. Mr. Blonde, who has kidnapped a police officer named Marvin Nash (Kirk Baltz), tortures him to extract information. In a now-infamous scene, Mr. Blonde dances to “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel before cutting off Nash’s ear.
The Revelation
Mr. Orange, who is revealed to be an undercover cop, kills Mr. Blonde to save Nash. As the situation spirals out of control, Joe and Nice Guy Eddie arrive, and Joe accuses Mr. Orange of being the informant. Mr. White defends Mr. Orange, leading to a standoff.
The Conclusion
The Final Showdown
In a climactic Mexican standoff, Joe, Eddie, and Mr. White shoot each other. Mr. Pink, who has been hiding, attempts to flee with the diamonds but is apprehended by the police outside. The film ends with Mr. White cradling a dying Mr. Orange, who confesses his true identity. Devastated, Mr. White is shot by the arriving police.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with a tragic and violent showdown, highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the chaotic nature of criminal endeavors.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Reservoir Dogs.
Type of Movie
Reservoir Dogs is a crime thriller that combines elements of drama, mystery, and action.
Cast
- Harvey Keitel as Mr. White / Larry Dimmick
- Tim Roth as Mr. Orange / Freddy Newandyke
- Michael Madsen as Mr. Blonde / Vic Vega
- Steve Buscemi as Mr. Pink
- Quentin Tarantino as Mr. Brown
- Edward Bunker as Mr. Blue
- Chris Penn as “Nice Guy” Eddie Cabot
- Lawrence Tierney as Joe Cabot
Film Music and Composer
The film features a soundtrack of 1970s music, with key tracks including “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel and “Little Green Bag” by George Baker Selection. The music was selected by Quentin Tarantino and plays a crucial role in setting the film’s tone.
Filming Locations
Reservoir Dogs was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with key scenes shot in various warehouse locations to create an authentic and gritty atmosphere.
Awards and Nominations
Reservoir Dogs received numerous awards and nominations, including:
- Sundance Film Festival: Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize.
- Independent Spirit Awards: Nominated for Best Director, Best Male Lead (Harvey Keitel), and Best Supporting Male (Steve Buscemi).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Quentin Tarantino wrote the script in less than three weeks, drawing inspiration from classic crime films and novels.
- The film was made on a modest budget of around $1.2 million, with Harvey Keitel playing a significant role in securing funding and talent.
- The infamous ear-cutting scene was partially improvised by Michael Madsen, adding to its unsettling realism.
Inspirations and References
The film draws inspiration from various sources, including Hong Kong cinema, film noir, and the novels of Elmore Leonard. Its nonlinear narrative and focus on dialogue reflect Tarantino’s unique storytelling style.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut closely follows Tarantino’s vision, though some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While there are no direct novelizations, the film has been analyzed in various books and essays exploring its impact and themes. Tarantino’s original screenplay is also available in published form.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening diner scene with the conversation about tipping.
- The warehouse scenes where the criminals piece together what went wrong.
- Mr. Blonde’s torture of the police officer and the subsequent reveal of Mr. Orange as the informant.
- The climactic Mexican standoff and the final reveal of Mr. Orange’s true identity.
Iconic Quotes
- “Are you gonna bark all day, little doggie, or are you gonna bite?” – Mr. Blonde
- “Let’s go to work.” – Joe Cabot
- “You shoot me in a dream, you better wake up and apologize.” – Mr. White
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s use of color-coded aliases was inspired by the 1974 film The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
- Tarantino’s cameo as Mr. Brown was a last-minute decision due to the limited budget and cast availability.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $1.2 million, and it grossed over $2.8 million worldwide.
- Tarantino’s original script included more background information on each character, but much of it was cut to maintain the film’s pacing and mystery.
- The use of non-linear storytelling and extensive pop culture references became hallmarks of Tarantino’s later films.
Why Watch?
Reservoir Dogs is a groundbreaking film that redefined the crime genre with its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and innovative storytelling. Its impact on independent cinema and influence on future filmmakers make it a must-watch for fans of gritty, character-driven narratives.
Director’s Other Movies
Quentin Tarantino also directed:
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Jackie Brown (1997)
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
- Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
- Inglourious Basterds (2009)
- Django Unchained (2012)
- The Hateful Eight (2015)
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
