Quentin Tarantino: The Man and His Movies

by Jami Bernard

Worshiped like a film star by fans of his ultrahip and violent movies, reviled and condemned by the self-appointed guardians of mortality, Quentin Tarantino has become the cult hero of the nineties. Using exclusive material from her interviews with Tarantino and those close to him, Jami Bernard traces his fascinating rise from high school dropout and B-movie junkie to the darling Hollywood, exploring the philosophy and mythology of the writer and director who has, with just a few explosive films, turned the movie world on its head. With the furor over Reservior Dogs , the triumph of Pulp Fiction , and the bitter conflict over Natural Born Killers , Tarantino's meteoric rise has been perspective of those who have worked, played, and done battle with him, Jami Bernard looks beyond the media icon and reveals the man--and his message.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Film, Media Tie In

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[TheNeverendingTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of his movies as far back as I can remember, so it was great to find out some more details about the movies I've seen countless times; it also gives a better understanding of the man himself - such as his background and what makes him such a successful filmmaker.

I'd like an updated version because this only covers up until Pulp Fiction.

Still, a must read for fans of QT because it's got loads of interesting information.

[Jayakrishnan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no way most film nerds or even actual filmakers would love Tarantino. Deep in their hearts, everyone hates Tarantino. Here is some video store employee who had the swag to meet up and convince some of the best American actors in the world to act in his first two movies which were inspired by Willeford, Higgins and Leonard. Oh boy! Every potential artist hates another artist. Especially an American artist. Most film aficionados are lazy frauds. Tarantino was an aficionado with real talent. A man who watched a lot of obscure movies and read a lot of obscure books and could actually make great art. Tarantino did it. He expanded American cultural hegemony for a few more decades. He introduced some great obscure American writers to people like me. Tarantino is a genius. Only a great country like America can make a man like Tarantino so famous.

[Vivek EVHS Menon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography offers great insight into the vigor and drive Tarantino had when he was making his first film and the consequent films following it, I definitely recommend this book.

[Ruben Oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book provides interesting insights into Tarantino's formative years and early influences, it falls short of truly engaging the reader. While it's a decent exploration of Tarantino's background, it lacks the depth and excitement needed to make it a truly captivating read.

Overall, it's worth picking up for fans looking to learn more about Tarantino's journey, but don't expect it to hold your attention like one of his films.

3/5

[Kzfartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little insight to how Quentin Tarantino made his way into film and the stories behind some of his early work and relations with other Hollywood types. While there were some good stories and no denying Quentin’s unique style and approach, the read was unsubstantial and left me yearning to know more. Would love to read something that follows him post Pulp Fiction success.

[Jake Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight into the early stage of Tarantino’s career, charting a path to From Dusk Till Dawn. Interesting insight into his time with Harvey Weinstein, written years before the me too movement. Some great anecdotes including his drive to support John Travolta after a long period of poor movies in the 80s.

[Miika Moilanen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jäi aika pintapuoliseksi ja versio loppui Four Roomsiin / Pulp Fictioniin, niin ei paljoa ehditty elokuviin käsiksi. Lukemani suomennos oli myös aika kehno ja sisälsi paljon kirjoitusvirheitä :D

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I question the sense in writing a biography of a filmmaker when they have barely developed a career. When Quentin Tarantino: The Man and His Movies was published, Tarantino had only directed two feature-films, well less than half of his current filmography. Hence, the emphasis of Jami Bernard’s biography is firmly on the man, not so much on his movies, considering most of his movies didn’t even exist at the time of writing. It’s less than comprehensive; you’re really only getting a glimpse into Tarantino’s early years, essentially his struggle to get into the film industry and get his first few films made.

The biography’s strongest suit is the huge roster of Tarantino’s friends, family, acquaintances and enemies that Bernard has interviewed. Unfortunately, the biography carries a really “gossipy” tone, often coming across like a tabloid. The prevailing focus seems to be how Tarantino ripped off his friends, with Bernard devoting an entire chapter to Tarantino’s feuds (that’s almost as much as is devoted to Pulp Fiction by the way). Anyone looking for any insight into Tarantino’s films, an exploration of their merits and themes, or an in-depth look at the man himself, will be sorely disappointed.

That being said, there’s enough interesting material about Tarantino’s early days working at a video store to push this biography into recommend territory. There’s nothing mind-blowing about any of Bernard’s revelations, but if you’re a Tarantino fan, you’ll find some interesting tidbits here and there.

[Raphael Bernardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This quick read does a great job telling the real story behind Quentin's success. He didn't work in just any video store for 10 year. He worked in the poorly managed Video Archives. This video rental store became home to a small group of competitive broke filmmaker-film-buff employees who spent most of their time talking about movies and filmmakers, writing/discussing their scripts and in Quentin's case pooling resources to make a movie. I'm tired. Time to sleep. Read the book, it's got so many more fun facts than his Wikipedia page (ex. he has 160IQ, and can watch movies he had seen scene by scene in his head). Only downside is it ends in 1995.

[Grindhouse Mattie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had this book since I started high school...It is ok, for it's time...Written by a film critic, but Mrs. Bernard doesn't exactly change the face of biographies...I think I have more sentimental value for this one...

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good bio on the early days or quentin

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really good book that tells about his life up to that point(1995). I wouldn't mind reading an updated version of this book that included the last 20 years.

[shayda]

Meh

[John Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quentin Tarantino b.1963