Quentin Tarantino's Cinema Speculation video - Chapter 5: The Outfit (1973)
December 20, 2023
The video is written by Quentin Tarantino via his Cinema Speculation book, edited by Alan Berry (The Tapes Archive).
Quentin Tarantino's Cinema Speculation is a collection of essays exploring films that have influenced and inspired him throughout his career.
His chapter on The Outfit, a 1973 film directed by John Flynn, showcases his deep appreciation for the movie. Tarantino highlights The Outfit as the most successful adaptation of mystery writer Donald Westlake's character Parker, a professional armed robber. This chapter delves into various aspects of the film and other related movies, offering a rich exploration of this genre.
In the video, Tarantino discusses how The Outfit, which features a climactic all-out assault led by the criminal character played by Robert Duvall on the mob boss's headquarters, exemplifies the quintessence of a specific type of crime film. He expands this discussion by referencing other films with Parker stand-ins, like Point Blank (starring Lee Marvin) and other similar Parker characters like Heat (starring Robert De Niro). This wide range of references shows Tarantino's extensive knowledge and love for cinema, particularly films with a gritty, crime-focused narrative.
Moreover, the video is an appreciation of The Outfit and a broader exploration of the crime genre and its impact on cinema. It offers insights into how these films have shaped Tarantino’s perspective on filmmaking and storytelling. The chapter is part of a larger work in which Tarantino shares his views on a wide range of films, from classic Hollywood movies to cult favorites, providing a unique perspective on the art of filmmaking.
Unauthorized fan-made video edited by Alan Berry
Produced by: Alan Berry and Mark Enochs
Narrator: AI Brown
