Detailed Summary
The Stagecoach Journey
Set in post-Civil War Wyoming, the story begins with bounty hunter John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) transporting his prisoner, Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), to the town of Red Rock. Along the way, they encounter another bounty hunter, Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), who claims to be the new sheriff of Red Rock. Due to an incoming blizzard, the group seeks refuge at a stagecoach lodge, Minnie’s Haberdashery.
Arrival at Minnie’s Haberdashery
Upon arrival, they find four other strangers already at the lodge: Bob (Demián Bichir), who claims to be running the place in Minnie’s absence; Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), a hangman; Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), a quiet cowboy; and General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern), a former Confederate officer. Tensions rise as it becomes clear that not everyone is who they claim to be.
Poisoned Coffee and Suspicion
As the blizzard traps the group inside, Ruth and Warren become increasingly suspicious of the other guests. Their suspicions are confirmed when Ruth and O.B. (James Parks) are poisoned after drinking coffee. Ruth dies, but Warren manages to take control of the situation, forcing confessions from the group.
The Truth Unfolds
It is revealed that Daisy Domergue’s brother, Jody (Channing Tatum), and his gang were hiding in the lodge, waiting to ambush Ruth and free Daisy. Jody shoots Warren from beneath the floorboards, leading to a bloody shootout.
The Final Standoff
With most of the characters dead or dying, Warren and Mannix, who have formed an uneasy alliance, confront Daisy. Despite her attempts to manipulate Mannix into letting her go, Warren convinces him to carry out justice by hanging Daisy as Ruth intended.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Warren and Mannix, both severely wounded, watching Daisy hang. As the two men lie dying, Mannix reads aloud a forged letter from Abraham Lincoln that Warren had carried with him. The letter, symbolizing lost ideals and the brutality of the world they inhabit, provides a somber conclusion to the blood-soaked tale.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Hateful Eight” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“The Hateful Eight” is a Western thriller with elements of mystery and black comedy. It’s a dialogue-driven, tension-filled film characteristic of Quentin Tarantino’s style.
Cast
- Samuel L. Jackson as Major Marquis Warren
- Kurt Russell as John “The Hangman” Ruth
- Jennifer Jason Leigh as Daisy Domergue
- Walton Goggins as Chris Mannix
- Demián Bichir as Bob
- Tim Roth as Oswaldo Mobray
- Michael Madsen as Joe Gage
- Bruce Dern as General Sanford Smithers
- Channing Tatum as Jody Domergue
Film Music and Composer
Ennio Morricone composed the film’s score, earning an Academy Award for his exceptional work. He blended original compositions with unused tracks from previous projects, crafting a tense and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly matches the film’s dark tone.
Filming Locations
- Telluride, Colorado: The snowy landscapes were filmed here, adding to the film’s isolated and claustrophobic atmosphere.
- California: Interior scenes were shot on a soundstage in Los Angeles.
The snowy wilderness of Colorado plays a crucial role in emphasizing the characters’ isolation and the harshness of their environment.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Won Best Original Score (Ennio Morricone), nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Best Cinematography.
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Original Score (Ennio Morricone).
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Original Music (Ennio Morricone).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The creators initially planned the movie as a sequel to “Django Unchained” but eventually developed it into a standalone story.
- They filmed the movie in Ultra Panavision 70, a rare format that hadn’t been used in decades, which gave the film its wide, epic appearance.
- To ensure the actors’ breath was visible, they shot the cabin scenes in freezing temperatures, enhancing the film’s authenticity.
Inspirations and References
- Classic Westerns: The film draws heavily from classic Westerns, particularly those with isolated, single-location settings.
- Agatha Christie: The plot structure and mystery elements are reminiscent of Christie’s works, particularly “And Then There Were None.”
- John Carpenter’s The Thing: The film shares thematic and stylistic similarities with Carpenter’s 1982 horror film, including a score by Ennio Morricone.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Tarantino has mentioned that the film’s ending was decided early on, with little change during production. However, there are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While “The Hateful Eight” is not directly based on a book, Quentin Tarantino later adapted the screenplay into a novel, which offers more background and detail on the characters and events.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Stagecoach Arrival: The tense introductions between the characters set the stage for the conflicts to come.
- The Poisoned Coffee: The sudden and shocking death of Ruth and O.B. escalates the tension dramatically.
- Daisy’s Hanging: The final, brutal act of justice that encapsulates the film’s dark themes.
Iconic Quotes
- “Nobody said this job was supposed to be easy.” – John “The Hangman” Ruth
- “When you get to hell, John, tell them Daisy sent you.” – Daisy Domergue
- “Justice delivered without dispassion is always in danger of not being justice.” – Oswaldo Mobray
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The guitar smashed by Kurt Russell was an actual 19th-century antique, accidentally destroyed during filming. Jennifer Jason Leigh’s reaction was genuine.
- The Lincoln letter, a recurring prop, symbolizes the false hope and deception prevalent among the characters.
- Tarantino used red herrings throughout the film to mislead the audience, particularly regarding the true nature of the characters.
Trivia
- In 2014, Quentin Tarantino organized a live reading of the script before the film’s production, showcasing many of the actors who would later be cast in the movie.
- The 70mm roadshow release included an overture and an intermission, reminiscent of classic epic films.
- Tarantino initially shelved the project after the script leaked online but later decided to proceed with production.
Why Watch?
“The Hateful Eight” offers a masterclass in tension and character dynamics, with Tarantino’s sharp dialogue and the stunning cinematography creating a unique cinematic experience. It’s a must-watch for fans of Westerns, thrillers, or Tarantino’s distinct style.
Director’s Other Movies
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
- Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
- Inglourious Basterds (2009)
- Django Unchained (2012)
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
