Quentin Tarantino Reveals His Personal Pantheon of Films: "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" as Favorite, "Inglourious Basterds" as Best

Director Quentin Tarantino has recently offered insights into his own filmography, distinguishing between his "favorite" and "best" works, a distinction often pondered by cinephiles and critics alike. In a candid interview on The Church of Tarantino podcast, Tarantino named "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" as his personal favorite, while declaring "Inglourious Basterds" as his best film. However, he also singled out "Kill Bill" as the quintessential "Quentin movie."

Defining the Terms: Favorite vs. Best

Tarantino elaborated on his reasoning, emphasizing the deeply personal connection he feels with "Kill Bill." "Kill Bill is the ultimate Quentin movie, like nobody else could've made it," he stated. "Every aspect about it is so particularly ripped, like with tentacles and bloody tissue, from my imagination and my id and my loves and my passion and my obsession. So I think Kill Bill is the movie I was born to make, I think Inglourious Basterds is my masterpiece, but Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is my favorite."

The Screenplays: "Inglourious Basterds" Leads the Pack

Expanding his analysis beyond directing, Tarantino also ranked his screenplays. "I think Inglourious Basterds is my best script, and I think Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time In Hollywood are right behind," he revealed. He further highlighted his directorial work on "The Hateful Eight," suggesting it represents his best "servicing" of his own material, praising the screenplay's solidity and the absence of a need for extensive on-set creation, unlike the more improvisational nature of "Kill Bill."

A Notable Omission: Early Works Overlooked?

Interestingly, Tarantino's reflections omitted any mention of his earlier, groundbreaking films such as "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," and "Jackie Brown." This absence has sparked debate among film scholars and fans. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a film studies professor at the University of Southern California, suggests this could be attributed to the director's evolving perspective on his own body of work. "It's not uncommon for artists to become more critical of their earlier creations as they mature," Dr. Vance explains. "What might have seemed revolutionary at the time can later appear flawed or less impactful in the context of a larger career."

The Evolution of Tarantino's Style

Tarantino's career trajectory showcases a distinct evolution in style and thematic concerns. "Reservoir Dogs" and "Pulp Fiction" established his signature blend of stylized violence, non-linear storytelling, and pop culture references. "Jackie Brown" offered a more subdued and character-driven narrative. "Kill Bill" marked a foray into wuxia and exploitation genres, while "Inglourious Basterds" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" presented revisionist historical narratives with complex moral ambiguities.

The Impact of "Hateful Eight"

The shoutout to "The Hateful Eight" is particularly noteworthy, as it is often considered one of Tarantino's lesser-discussed films. Set in a snowbound Wyoming cabin after the Civil War, the film is a chamber drama that explores themes of paranoia, betrayal, and racial tension. Its deliberate pacing and claustrophobic setting differentiate it from Tarantino's more action-oriented works.

Fan Reaction and Legacy

Tarantino's comments have ignited discussions among film enthusiasts, prompting re-evaluations of his filmography and debates about the criteria for "best" versus "favorite." The director's influence on contemporary cinema is undeniable, with his distinctive style inspiring countless filmmakers and shaping the landscape of independent and mainstream film.

Reservoir Dogs (1992): Tarantino's debut, a heist film known for its sharp dialogue and non-linear narrative. Pulp Fiction (1994): A cultural phenomenon that revitalized independent cinema with its postmodern style and memorable characters. Jackie Brown (1997): An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's "Rum Punch," showcasing a more mature and nuanced storytelling approach. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) & Vol. 2 (2004): A martial arts epic inspired by wuxia and exploitation films. Inglourious Basterds (2009): A revisionist World War II film that blends historical fiction with Tarantino's signature style. Django Unchained (2012): A Western that tackles the themes of slavery and revenge. The Hateful Eight (2015): A claustrophobic chamber drama set in post-Civil War Wyoming. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): A nostalgic ode to 1960s Hollywood, exploring themes of fame, obsolescence, and violence.

According to film critic Mark Johnson, "Tarantino's willingness to dissect his own work and offer such personal insights provides a valuable perspective for understanding his creative process and the evolution of his artistic vision. It encourages viewers to engage with his films on a deeper level and to consider the complex relationship between a director's intentions and the audience's interpretation."

As Tarantino contemplates his future projects, these reflections on his past work offer a glimpse into the mind of one of cinema's most influential and idiosyncratic voices. His films continue to provoke, entertain, and challenge audiences, solidifying his place as a modern master of the medium.