When you think of movie directors, Quentin Tarantino will be one of the first names to be mentioned. Many will immediately highlight him for his unique way of creating and telling stories, while others will note him for certain aspects of his film, like the inclusion of violence and blood. Either way, he is a filmmaker that is renowned around the world and has had an indelible impact on the cinematic universe for decades.
Among the methods that he is perhaps more famous for, though, is his unique ways of using visual aids and narrative techniques with the stories that he tells. He uses a lot of non-linear storytelling, while he is also known to provide audiences with a different viewing experience as he has used techniques such as split screens in the past, too.
Nonetheless, when someone sits down and watches one of his films, they are going to have a good idea about what to expect; even if he features a number of unpredictable moments within each release.
Visual Techniques
Starting with the visual side of his films, Tarantino adopts a number of techniques that have helped him to be different to other filmmakers across the industry. The biggest example is in regard to the unique camera angles that he uses.
Throughout a number of his films, audiences are guaranteed to be able to witness a number of low-angle shots, as this is one of his favored techniques. Tarantino likes to give his characters as much of a personality and story as possible, and the use of low angles means he can make them appear more dominant and powerful when on screen, thus reinforcing the idea of their status. This is something that can be seen throughout Pulp Fiction.
Elsewhere, the director is also known to use a number of close-up shots and slow-motion shots, as these can help to create tension and drama. By focusing on the character’s face, audiences are able to get a sense of every emotion that is being portrayed by the actor, therefore eliciting a reaction from the viewer as they will feel more involved in the story. Due to the shots that he continues to use, he has become a popular inspiration for editors. They are using video editing software and templates to try and replicate what the iconic filmmaker has managed to create and see if they can give it their own spin.
Colors and music play a huge role for Tarantino, too. Each of his movies tends to follow a certain pattern as he uses them to emphasize the story that is being told. The use of these visual techniques can set the tone and enhance the overall mood that is being depicted. He uses music that does not and should not necessarily fit with the scene being shown but makes it work in an expert way.
Tarantino’s Narrative Techniques
As already mentioned, Tarantino has been famed for his ability to create movies that follow a non-linear storytelling method. His unique style and way of portraying a story in a deconstructed way is something that many would love to be able to do, but are simply not as effective as he is at doing so.
He can tell a story in a variety of different ways without it being in chronological order, but still being able to depict the outcome desired and leave viewers impressed with what he has produced. It is a technique that has been used in many of his films, with Pulp Fiction perhaps the biggest example. The film follows three stories, with each of them intertwined and with different timelines.
If you ask people that are not a fan of Tarantino, they will likely state that it is his use of dialogue that puts them off. His films are typically laden with profanity throughout, with it almost seeming like every over word is a curse word. Nonetheless, it is a narrative technique that he has used to succeed.
His dialogue between characters can build tension while still remaining amusing and relatable to an audience, making for easy engagement from an artistic point of view.
Tarantino’s Techniques Make Him Successful
There is no doubt that his unique visual and narrative techniques have helped Tarantino to be successful and have a lasting legacy in the cinematic universe. While he does not appeal to everyone, there is no doubt that he creates something different from everybody else.
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