Breaking Stereotypes

The opening sequence of Reservoir Dogs introduces the eight important characters of the movie through a casual conversation at a diner. The characters are engaged in a casual but compelling conversation - What is the real meaning of the song "Madonna's like a virgin” ? The camera plays its part in keeping the audience intrigued by panning across each person and holding them for a second.  When the camera revolves around the table, it feels like we are eavesdropping on their conversation. Over time, the conversation moves from one subject to another and finally ends with a discussion on "whether one should tip the waiter or not”. By this time the personality of each character is established.  When the scene ends with the famous slow-motion walk on the song  "Little green bag",  the audience is left wondering if there is more to the scene than meets the eye.

It has all ingredients, interesting dialogues, excellent camera work and great acting, of a riveting sequence. But, the most important thing that stood out was the unhurried pace at which the director let the scene progress. Normally, a first time director, making a thriller will rush to introduce the plot to the audience. And here we have, Quentin Tarantino, in his first feature length movie, showing little regards for stereotypes. He introduces the characters as normal human beings, who are talking everything under the sun, except the heist that forms the central theme of the movie. Little over eight minutes have passed, and the characters are introduced, but the audience still doesn't know who is the main lead, who has a negative role, what is the story and the audience doesn’t even realize. This clearly shows the confidence that Quentin Tarantino has in his unique style of storytelling.

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