Like most of us pop culture movie fans I too believe that Quentin Tarantino tapped into a goldmine of ultra cool dialogue and ways to update motion picture ideas paying tribute to the past. As a self proclaimed film history buff I’m always looking for his little nods to films from a bygone era. They’re scattered throughout his films if you know what to look for. How about that Mr. Majestyk poster on the wall of Michael Madsen’s trailer in Kill Bill Part 2.
Jackie Brown is the nod to blaxploitation flicks of the seventies. What better way to pay homage than to bring sexy Pam Grier to the head of the class for one more go around.
I’ve always referred to this title as my favorite Tarantino flick. While it’s not as flashy as his other films I find it’s not nearly as cartoonish. It’s done with a very sure hand. The same goes for the acting. It’s all underplayed and it works. The most hyper performance in the film comes from Michael Keaton playing a fed who is out to nail bad guy Samuel L. Jackson and his gun running operation. Even Jackson underplays his role when compared to his over the top histrionics he embraces in some of his other more notable roles.
Co stars Robert DeNiro and Bridget Fonda fit right in with DeNiro playing his part so low key your not sure if he even has a pulse at times. But, if looks could kill he delivers a great stare down at Fonda during the crime caper.
Pam Grier is excellent here and sexy as ever. Robert Forster matches her scene for scene and deservedly received an Oscar nomination for his role as a bail bondsman helping Pam as she tries to get out from under the violent hand of Jackson.
It’s easy to find yourself rooting for Forster and just wishing you could step into his shoes at the fadeout.
“Shut your raggedy-ass up, and sit the f–k down! ”
“My ass may be dumb, but I ain’t no dumbass. ”
“You know, a good cop will never let you know he knows you’re full of s–t.”
“Gimme that bag before I knock you out and take it. ”
“How did you ever rob a bank? When you robbed banks, did you forget where your car was then too? No wonder you went to jail. ”
“You’ve no idea what happened to the 50.000 dollars. You’re clueless about the money, right? You’ve no idea about the 50 grants. ”
Jackie Brown is one of those flicks that when it’s on I can’t help myself and automatically sit down in the nearest chair available to catch up on the proceedings. Same goes for those seventies flicks with Pam kicking ass as well. Click here to check out a gallery of posters from her earlier films.
Mike's Take On the Movies 
Oh, this one is my favorite Tarantino film as well. It almost feels like it was made in the 70’s and placed in a time capsule that was opened about twenty years later.
Forster SHOULD have won that Oscar, as it’s such a great performance. I’d have nominated Pam as well, as she carries the film and she and Forster make quite the couple. And as for “perfect crime” flicks, this is one of the best of that decade, in my opinion.
I also like that Tarantino swiped the opening from The Graduate, but added a funkier tune for that airport walkway trip Pam took.
I can watch this one over and over and just appreciate what’s going in each characters head and the dialogue is awesome. Great caper flick. Foster awesome and Pam just great here and so beautiful. Feel the love!
You and me both, I love this and rank it high for Tarantino too, remember I was so excited waiting for it to come out and it lived to up to all expectations. Have to watch it again soon.
Just a wonderful ensemble piece with everyone rising to the challenge. And then there’s the center piece, Miss Grier.
Aha. I see it’s in rotation again on cable as a free On Demand flick. I keep meaning to just buy the darn Blu-Ray or DVD version just to have it handy. But it seems that the film is on the air whenever I think about that and I end up in front of the TV again soaking in that dialog and the great cast…
Grab a favorite brew and a handful of snacks. 🙂
I’ve never seen this, and it sure looks like I’m missing out on something.
Those posters are beautiful.
Then you have a treat in store for yourself. I always get jealous when someone tells me they haven’t seen a personal favorite of mine because wouldn’t it be fun to witness your faves for the first time all over again?
Yes, I completely agree.
I’m yet another whose fave Tarantino movie this is — in fact, it’s the only one I really love. Pam Greer has a lot to do with that: she’s quite brilliant here.
Yes she is. I just keep harping on the low key acting that totally works in this with Forster just perfectly off setting both Jackson and Keaton while serving as an enticing leading man for Pam.
I also love this movie and not as cartoonish is a great way to describe it. As for Pam Grier…drool.
Pam in that red dress is a show stopper!