50 Facts About the Film ‘The Hateful Eight’ by Quentin Tarantino

Written & Compiled by: Harold A. Martin

1. "The Hateful Eight" is a western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.             

2. It was released in 2015.

3. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Walton Goggins, among others.

4. Tarantino initially conceived the film as a sequel to his previous film, "Django Unchained."

5. The story takes place in Wyoming during the winter of 1877.

6. The film's title refers to the eight main characters, who are all morally ambiguous and deceitful.

7. "The Hateful Eight" was shot using Ultra Panavision 70, a rare and wide aspect ratio format.

8. Tarantino used the same film format as classics like "Ben-Hur" and "Mutiny on the Bounty" to achieve a vintage look.

9. The film's runtime is approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes.

10. Ennio Morricone composed the film's score, which won him an Academy Award.
11. "The Hateful Eight" was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Jason Leigh.

12. The film's opening credits were designed by the late graphic designer Pablo Ferro.

13. It was the first time Tarantino worked with cinematographer Robert Richardson since "Kill Bill: Volume 1."

14. Tarantino built a replica of Minnie's Haberdashery, the main setting of the film, on a ranch in Colorado.

15. The film's script was leaked online in early 2014, prompting Tarantino to consider canceling the project.

16. Tarantino eventually decided to proceed with the film, making some revisions to the leaked script.

17. "The Hateful Eight" pays homage to classic westerns, particularly those directed by Sergio Leone.

18. The film's dialogue is known for its sharpness and wit, a trademark of Tarantino's writing.

19. Tarantino had initially planned to shoot the film in 2014, but postponed production due to the script leak.

20. The film's release was accompanied by a limited roadshow engagement in 70mm format, complete with an overture and intermission.

21. Tarantino has stated that the film was inspired by Agatha Christie's mystery novels.

22. "The Hateful Eight" features a diverse cast, with actors from different backgrounds and ethnicities.

23. The film explores themes of racism, violence, and justice in a post-Civil War setting.

24. Tarantino's regular collaborator, Tim Roth, was originally considered for a role, but scheduling conflicts prevented his involvement.

25. The film was praised for its ensemble cast's performances, particularly Jennifer Jason Leigh's portrayal of the character Daisy Domergue.

26. "The Hateful Eight" was filmed in the winter, which added to the authenticity of the snowy landscapes.

27. The film's production designer, Yohei Taneda, meticulously recreated the interior of Minnie's Haberdashery.

28. "The Hateful Eight" marks Tarantino's eighth feature film, hence the title.

29. The film's violence is graphic and intense, as is typical of Tarantino's work.

30. Tarantino has described "The Hateful Eight" as a "whodunit" set in the Old West.

31. The film's release was accompanied by a controversy surrounding Tarantino's comments on police brutality, which led to calls for a boycott.

32. Tarantino has said that "The Hateful Eight" is his most political film to date.
33. The film's narrative is non-linear, with multiple flashbacks and revelations.

34. "The Hateful Eight" was influenced by classic westerns like "The Great Silence" and "The Wild Bunch."

35. The film's dialogue was praised for its sharpness and memorable lines.

36. "The Hateful Eight" was Tarantino's second film to be released in 70mm format, following "Django Unchained."

37. The film's soundtrack features songs by artists such as Roy Orbison and The White Stripes.

38. Tarantino has stated that "The Hateful Eight" is his most dialogue-driven film.
39. The film's script was over 160 pages long, indicating its dense and intricate storytelling.

40. "The Hateful Eight" was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Original Score.

41. Tarantino's longtime editor, Sally Menke, passed away before the production of "The Hateful Eight." The film is dedicated to her memory.

42. The film's release was accompanied by a 12-minute prologue titled "The Hateful Eight: 70mm Roadshow."

43. "The Hateful Eight" was praised for its detailed production design and attention to period authenticity.

44. The film's premiere was held at the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles, where the 70mm format was showcased.

45. Tarantino has expressed interest in adapting "The Hateful Eight" into a stage play.

46. The film's marketing campaign emphasized the ensemble cast and the mystery surrounding the characters' true motives.

47. "The Hateful Eight" was a box office success, grossing over $155 million worldwide.
48. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and Tarantino's direction.

49. Tarantino has stated that he may release an extended version of "The Hateful Eight" in the future.

50. "The Hateful Eight" has become a favorite among Tarantino fans, known for its homages to classic westerns, award-winning score, and its gritty dialogue.

Hope you enjoyed this spotlight on a winter-themed western!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM WELLDONEMOVIES.COM

12 Monkeys Review & Analysis

Written by: Lee Fenton

This article was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the hard work and dedication of the writers and actors, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist. In fact, no films or television would.

We stand in solidarity.

Directed by Terry Gilliam (better known for his role in Monty Python's Flying Circus) and released in 1995 - Twelve Monkeys' story is centered around time travel and the release of a globally devastating virus.

The cinematography is equal parts uncomfortable and claustrophobic. The use of Dutch angles to evoke paranoia; allows the viewer to experience the events through the eyes of the protagonist: James Cole. The scenes that take place in the dystopian future, are exuberantly surreal – not to mention Lynchian in their aesthetic.

In my view this film's visuals draw from one David Lynch picture in particular; Dune (1984). It is hard to ignore the parallels, and in my opinion Terry Gilliam took inspiration from some of the best visuals of Dune and utilized them in 12 Monkeys.

This is not a criticism, seeing as Gilliam's direction differs enough that is a loving homage, or tribute to Lynch's work – instead of a director - who's sole aim is to plagiarize because they have no creative voice of their own. Also I would argue that overall – Gilliam's film is the more pristine of the two, although Dune 1984 has a close place in my heart; even a fan must be subjective and admit it has many, many flaws.

Living through the Coronavirus; and the scary realization that society is always a few viral mutations away from extinction, allows for more empathy with the main character. This film quickly illustrates that animals have retaken the planet since the release of the deadly virus. This is indeed one of the side-effects of a global pandemic. During the peak of Covid-19 lock-downs, animals took to public spaces with overt abundance. This film has aged in a way, that what was once pseudo-science - is now proven to be accurate.

For that, and many other reasons this film is ripe for retreading; I must not be the only one to feel this way; since it recently inspired a television series reboot that aired in 2015 (running for 4 seasons). The relevancy of the film's central premise is exemplified in the fact that a global pandemic effectively shut down the world down a few years back. Science fiction is that genre that seems to only increase in relevancy and never decrease.

I feel that 'Contagion' (worth a watch, for sure) is a film that details the outbreak of a global pathogen, while 12 Monkeys allows a chilling glimpse into the after effects.

12 Monkeys is based upon a half hour short comprised of still images, titled 'La Jetee' (directed by French filmmaker Chris Marker) which swept film festivals and received an abundance of accolades. The melancholy of 'La Jetee' carries through in 12 Monkeys, albeit with a greater sense of suspense due to the differing medium of film vs still imagery. The short is colored with a sense of dread of the unknown that continues until the final sequence.

The time travel plot and iconic twist of the movie are all products of Chris Marker's ingenuity. Truly a brilliant work of art that Terry Gilliam adapted expertly to the silver screen. 12 Monkeys is a titanic accomplishment and contains plenty of directorial choices (visually and otherwise) by Gilliam that are ubiquitous, and are not a product of Chris Marker's work.

Bruce Willis' role as James Cole is possibly his best performance in any film. Pulp Fiction is a contender as well; yet I feel more drawn to this interpretation of the soul lost in time. His abject hopelessness is mesmerizing to watch and his characters emotional anguish propels the film forward to its poetic ending.

Without spoiling anything, it is a tearful twist - you may never forget.

(9/10) côte d'agneau pan roasted with a side of grilled asparagus

bon appetit!