Two clues last night at the New Beverly Cinema should have signalled that Quentin Tarantino was in the house.
The first tip off?
On the marquee outside a date for a much-anticipated upcoming screening of "Reservoir Dogs" was posted.
Film buffs familiar with the off-beat talented director's bio are keen to the fact, after all, that the classic is one of Tarantino's VBFF (very best favorite films).
As the film "Death Rides a Horse" flickered overhead on the silver screen - wild cackles from a ticket-holder in the dark below the floodlights - should have clued me in to the fact it was Quentin savoring each delightful frame of celluloid.
As I noted in a prior post on a special event at the New Beverly Center, there is only one dedicated film fan that laughs louder and harder (than moi) in a movie house, and that is none other than the madcap director of stand-out movies such as Kill Bill.
Just before the second film on the double-feature was about to start, I was grabbing a coke at the snack bar, when Quentin turned the corner and nearly ran smack dab into me.
We both did a double-take.
But, there was nothing to fear, but fear itself.
Of course, I didn't have to worry (like Perez Hilton, darling) that I might get a nasty poke in the eye for something I'd written.
After all, I gave "Inglorious Basteurds" a glowing review.
Post: 08/22/
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/08/inglourious-basterdsalmost-genius.html
Quentin is also a big fan of cowboy flicks - especially those of the Spaghetti Western ilk - like those starring visionary actors such as squinty-eyed Clint (Eastwood).
Last night, the New Bev took a twisted turn and offered up a double-bill rife with off-beat quirks.
"Death Rides a Horse" was directed by Giulio Petroni & starred mesmerizing Lee Van Cleef and John Phillip Law.
Mr. Van Cleef (who I recall crossing paths with years ago - but for the life of me - can't remember where exactly or when) is an intriguing piece of work in this uneven film that showcases his gifts magnificently.
What a sight to behold, in fact!
The seasoned pro - with the pointy chin, slat-like eyes, and taut stretched skin on chiselled bone - has a "look", in fact, that borders on the macabre!
The fancy duds the dude (and the rest of the n'er-do-wells swagger around in) amounted to "cowboy drag" when you get right down to the nitty-gritty.
Some of the material, understandably, ended up being high camp.
Unfortunately, the score fell short of the likes of those that buttressed up the high drama (and intensity) of the "Fistful of Dollars" serials.
But, "Horse" excels with dialogue (and banter) that fleshes out the characters.
When a main character expressed his burning desire to punish a gang of outlaws for murdering his parents, Van Cleef waves off the notion for good reason.
"Sometimes revenge is a dish best served cold."
(Sicilian Proverb)
Amen!
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