CLEMENTINE'S REVIEWS

22nd September 2009
Jackie Brown (1997)

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Writer: Quentin Tarantino (adapted for screen)
             Elmore Leonard (novel 'Rum Punch')
Starring: Pam Greer, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keating, Robert De Niro, Michael Bowen

Bigger than Pulp Fiction! At least that was the initial claim of Tarantino on it's release three years after his groundbreaking cult classic of 1994. The massive expectations let down the fans and Jackie Brown became a bit of a cinema disappointment. In saying that, I also thought Pulp Fiction was massively overrated. I completely respect Tarantino's vision and his taste in eastern cinema has really brought a lot of excellent foreign films onto the screen of western audiences. I just don't know if I appreciate all apparent 'uber cool humorous violence' appeal. It has won him a huge loyal following so he's doing something right. I'm watching for the first time 12 years after it's release, mostly at the recommendation of a friend who proclaims it to be his favourite.

An aging beauty of a flight attendant, Jackie Brown (the lovely Pam Greer) has a bit of a track record with police. Two agents catch Jackie smuggling money and in possession of drugs - they're really after the arms dealer she's bringing it in for: Ordell (Samuel L. Jackson with criminally bad facial hair). When Ordell confronts Jackie with a threat she's now compromised, she convinces him she's on his side and will help move his money current stuck in Mexico. Under the watchful eye of the police she holds a key position between the police and Ordell. Kindly bond officer Max Cherry (Robert Forster) in quite taken by Jackie and she soon finds herself an ally when everyone else wants a piece of her. It becomes a bit of a game between Ordell, the police and Jackie who starts taking the ball into her own court.

I love good dialogue and realistic banter can be revealing of the characters. Too bad Tarantino keeps thinking that constantly talking means having a worthwhile conversation. Richard Linklater's wonderfully crafted scripts featuring everyday conversation works really well, while Tarantino is hit and miss with his miscalculated stabs. I wasn't impressed by the slacking dialogue of Ordell and Louis (Robert De Niro) his dim witted associate; however Jackie and Max share some really nice pieces of work. Fonda plays Melanie, this films obligatory blonde surfer girl and her relationship with Ordell remains ambiguous.

The first half and hour or so are banal that a tightening up could really elevate the film. You can't you insert Jackson into a scene just to create some laughs and teenage fist pumps (this is channelling his performance in a number of things).

In saying that, I enjoyed Jackie Brown more than a number of his other films, particularly due to the fact Jackie really is an interesting woman with honest charisma. Greer doesn't swan her about, you can feel her tiredness, her fear, her bravery, and we can see why she is deserving of the main title.       

Verdict: Quite entertaining but could be more tight with some work on it's tiring length.