By Jacob Chapman
The Hateful Eight or THE H8FUL EIGHT is the eighth film to be directed by Quentin Tarantino and his second Western stylized themed film. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins and a large supporting cast. The film centers on bounty hunter John Ruth (the Hangman) and his prisoner Daisy Domergue, who find themselves caught in a blizzard. They come across Major Marquis Warren (The Bounty Hunter) and Chris Mannix (The Sheriff) taking shelter in a cabin inhabited by all sorts of dodgy characters; quickly realising that one of the characters is working with Daisy to free her. They are forced by the blizzard to stay and survive the night.
The entire cast give incredible performances but the two which stand out the are that of Samuel L Jackson and Jennifer Jason Leigh. But with such unique, interesting characters, it is all the more fun trying to guess which one of them is the one trying to free Daisy. Figuring out who you can trust and who you can’t trust on this deadly night.
Shot by Tarantino in 70mm, the film looks incredible with stunning shots of the landscape and action blocking. Showing the audience wide shots of horse drawn carriages making their way across beautiful snowy landscapes and sweeping shots in the close quarters of the cabin erases the feeling of claustrophobia, instead replacing it with a chilling sense of anticipation. Providing a truly unique aesthetic to the film. Unfortunately, this will not be shown in many cinemas so if you have the option see this film in 70mm, do!
The soundtrack to this movie is some of the best music ever used a Western; creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere which enhances the mood of the film making the viewer ever more immersed to a scene.
If you’re a fan of Tarantino films, or just films involving brilliant dialogue, then I am pleased to say that The Hateful Eight is for you. But be wary, if you’re not a fan of violence and the theatrical use of racial profanity, then this film is defiantly not for you. The Hateful Eight is Tarantino returning to his Reservoir Dogs roots: engaging dialogue and lots of blood. A triumphant, epic-ally violent and superbly acted Western. No one knows how to raise hell like Tarantino!
The Hateful Eight is well deserving of 5/5 stars.
Jacob is a first year Film and Media student who is a huge film buff and loves the art of cinema. You can find him on Twitter here.
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