Before gaining international recognition with Pulp Fiction in 1994, Quentin Tarantino managed to sell the screenplay for True Romance to Metropolitan Studios. The latter hired director Tony Scott to direct it, Tarantino was a newcomer and unknown at the time.
Meanwhile, he managed to break through with Reservoir Dogs, his first directorial effort, and True Romance hit theaters in November 1993 while he was making Pulp Fiction. “In total, I got to test my strength in more than 30 scenarios, the first one I finished.”He credits the DVD audio commentary for the feature film.
90s Bonnie and Clyde
Recall that this modern-day Bonnie and Clyde introduces the character of Clarence Worley, played by Christian Slater. On his birthday, he meets the beautiful Alabama (Patricia Arquette) in a dirty movie theater. Instant love at first sight.
After the night of love, Alabama admits to Clarence that she was actually hired by Clarence’s boss as a birthday present. A crazy adventure will begin from there. Although the film was directed by Tony Scott, True Romance remains a very Tarantinesque piece inspired by his personal life.
Thus, the artist incorporated moments from his real life into his story, such as roommates Floyd and Dick Rich, played by the amazing Brad Pitt and Michael Rapaport. “It’s pretty personal.”Tarantino points out when referring to the sequences of the two men helping Clarence and Alabama.
Dick Ritchie is trying to break through as a comedian in Los Angeles, much like Tarantino did in his early days. “I was stuck with other guys at a casting agency trying to get a supporting role Hooker Or the role of a robber in a bad detective series”he recalls.
This is where we get to the detail that irked Quentin Tarantino when he chose Tony Scott to direct. We are 1 hour, 27 minutes and 4 seconds into the movie. Clarence and Alabama find themselves in the small, shabby apartment that Dick and Floyd share. During the discussion, we see framed movie posters in the background.
Take a good look at Brad Pitt’s back
Open your eyes and look behind Brad Pitt. We can distinguish the poster of Reflection in the Golden Eye, a drama well known to moviegoers, directed by John Huston and starring Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor. However, for Tarantino, this poster has nothing to do with it.
“I was like them, until I was about 30, when I sold the script ‘True Romance’ – the vision of my countrymen, for the most part, they stayed on the sofa watching TV all day.”The director reveals.
“I’ve always hated those posters on the wall. It’s a decorator’s trick. The characters can’t do it all. They don’t have enough money to frame the posters. There’s a $4,000 frame. A hard-working actor isn’t going to put his posters on the wall.The film director explains.
I always hated those posters on the wall. It’s a decorator’s trick. Heroes can’t do it all.
“I can’t imagine Dick Ritchie or Floyd were fans of Reflections in a Golden Eye. We put them there for aesthetic reasons. It pissed me off that the posters didn’t show the characters.”Quentin Tarantino condemns. The latter is not wrong; Dick and Floyd are penniless and struggling in Los Angeles; They never managed to frame the movie posters.
In the background we see the posters Reflections in a Golden Eye and Highway 301.
This small detail, which the director did not hesitate to emphasize, reflects Tarantino’s perfectionism and love for his characters, of which he takes care of the smallest lines and personality traits. If you haven’t seen True Romance, go quick and get this little gem on DVD or Blu-ray!
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
