Film reviews: The Hateful Eight and Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

I have grouped these two films together for a very simple reason - matching or similar styles of violence used in the stories told.

And as far as spoilers are concerned, that first sentence is as far as I am going.

That said, the style of violence isn't the only thing that is similar. Screenplays are both equally strong, one has Quentin Tarantino's biting script, the other has Jane Austen's original wit combined with Seth Grahame-Smith's novel and Burr Steers bringing both their words to the screen.

There is a point I wish to make about the violence in these films. One has the focus on using guns, which make a lot of damage depending on placement of the bullets, or in Tarantino's case, rather hasty removal of whatever body part has been fired upon.

The other uses a lot of sword work, long and short (as well as guns) which can sometimes provide a bit more variety and can lengthen a fight between two (or more) opponents. A lot of films, particular American in origin, seem to have a lot of bullets flying every which way with none hitting the intended target, until a key moment.
As Sean Connery once said in his last film, "Oh I saw. Very American. Fire enough bullets and hope to hit the target."
The styles of violence in both these films are somewhat making a break from this trope, as they are both set in the nineteenth century, so their guns are limited to a certain number of bullets - provides part of the thriller aspect.

Landscapes of ruined England and the American wilderness in winter are both beautifully filmed, Ennio Morricone wins overall as far as score is concerned, however.
Fernando Velázquez makes a great showing, many emotional and action filmed scenes, he scores both equally well.

Both excellent films, worth watching.

Comments

  1. This quote comes from another equally violent film, with equally dark humour.

    Deadpool: It's Christmas day, and I'm after someone on my naughty list!

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