Jackie Brown • The Next Reel

“Let’s be realistic. Now, sooner or later, they’re going to get around to offering me a plea deal, and you know that. That’s why you are here to kill me.”
Jackie Brown Rides High in Tarantino’s Homage to Blaxploitation

Quentin Tarantino burst onto the film scene in the 1990s with unique stylistic choices and sharp dialogue. After achieving critical acclaim for Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, Tarantino turned to Elmore Leonard’s novel Rum Punch for his third directorial effort, Jackie Brown. Set in the seedy underworld of gun runners and bail bondsmen, Jackie Brown pays homage to 1970s blaxploitation films while putting Tarantino’s signature spin on the crime thriller genre.

Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Nominees series with a conversation about Tarantino’s 1997 film Jackie Brown.

Fun With Time, Great Performances, and Controversy

We dive deep into Tarantino’s playful use of time jumps, split screens, and flashbacks to reveal the intricacies of the heist plot. The stellar cast shines, especially Pam Grier in the title role and Robert Forster as the bail bondsman helping her out, not to mention turns by Robert De Niro, Samuel L. Jackson, Bridget Fonda, and Michael Keaton. We also touch on the controversy around Tarantino’s use of the N-word. Overall, we find lots to love in this homage-filled film.

More Topics From Our Chat

• Beautiful cinematography and lighting choices
• Forster and Grier’s heartbreaking final scene
• Keaton’s surprising but perfect casting
• The fantastic soundtrack
• Tarantino’s masterful directing skills on display
• Great discussion of awards snubs and box office numbers

Final Thoughts on Jackie Brown

With its loving homage to 1970s blaxploitation films, great soundtrack, and stellar cast, Jackie Brown shows Tarantino at the height of his powers. We have a great time talking about this underappreciated gem. Check it out, then tune in to hear our conversation. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• Original Material: Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
• Letterboxd

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