Audio Commentaries are sometimes a forgotten gem in the world of film. But how often do they get heard, and are they even worth hearing? This series of reviews will take a look at some of the best, and perhaps worst, audio commentaries on some classic films. Exploring what, if anything, they bring to the film. Any commentary review suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.
Who does this Commentary?
The Reservoir Dogs commentary is from a variety of people – director Quentin Tarantino, executive producer Monte Hellman, producer Lawrence Bender, editor Sally Menke, director of photography Andrezj Sekla and actors Tim Roth (Mr. Orange), Chris Penn (‘Nice Guy’ Eddie), Michael Madsen (Mr. Blonde) and Kirk Baltz (Marvin Nash).
As a directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs is a pretty damn good film. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, who also plays a supporting role, we follow several ‘criminals’ before and after a robbery gone wrong. Each character becomes increasingly paranoid, as they attempt to work out which member of the group set them up to be caught in the act.
If you are seeking out the work of Quentin Tarantino, I would highly recommend Reservoir Dogs as one of the best Tarantino films. The commentary, however, is another story.
There are many contributors on this commentary, who are are not together as they record what they have to say. As we hear a mixture of different comments on the various aspects of the filmmaking process, it can jump from an actor talking about being cast, to the editor suddenly talking about camera angles. In some ways, this makes the commentary interesting, as we hear something from the people behind and in front of the camera.
Often an aspect which makes a commentary work well is listening to the relationship between those contributing as they sit together. As each contributor is alone, this crucial aspect is missing, and at some points, it feels as if you are just listening to a lecture on the film.
Tarantino is by far the most interesting contributor. His enthusiasm and fast style of talking shines through during his comments, including the occasional ‘fuck you’ directed at those listening. It’s a shame that this commentary doesn’t have Tarantino speaking throughout, as that would certainly be worth hearing and would keep those listening entertained throughout.
A lot can be learnt from listening to this, especially if you are interested in behind the camera dynamics of filming. The only thing that is missing is the ‘fun’ aspect from those talking, and ultimately, Tarantino is the only one who brings this to the commentary.
Commentary Score: 5/10
This is an average commentary, where we can hear from a range of people involved in the making of the film. But the jumping between contributors speaking alone soon becomes tedious.
Favourite Commentary Moment:
This commentary is worth listening to, just so you can hear Tarantino attempting (and failing) to do a British accent during his impression of Tim Roth.
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COMMENTARY REVIEW: ‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)
Audio Commentaries are sometimes a forgotten gem in the world of film. But how often do they get heard, and are they even worth hearing? This series of reviews will take a look at some of the best, and perhaps worst, audio commentaries on some classic films. Exploring what, if anything, they bring to the film. Any commentary review suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.
Who does this Commentary?
The Reservoir Dogs commentary is from a variety of people – director Quentin Tarantino, executive producer Monte Hellman, producer Lawrence Bender, editor Sally Menke, director of photography Andrezj Sekla and actors Tim Roth (Mr. Orange), Chris Penn (‘Nice Guy’ Eddie), Michael Madsen (Mr. Blonde) and Kirk Baltz (Marvin Nash).
As a directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs is a pretty damn good film. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, who also plays a supporting role, we follow several ‘criminals’ before and after a robbery gone wrong. Each character becomes increasingly paranoid, as they attempt to work out which member of the group set them up to be caught in the act.
If you are seeking out the work of Quentin Tarantino, I would highly recommend Reservoir Dogs as one of the best Tarantino films. The commentary, however, is another story.
There are many contributors on this commentary, who are are not together as they record what they have to say. As we hear a mixture of different comments on the various aspects of the filmmaking process, it can jump from an actor talking about being cast, to the editor suddenly talking about camera angles. In some ways, this makes the commentary interesting, as we hear something from the people behind and in front of the camera.
Often an aspect which makes a commentary work well is listening to the relationship between those contributing as they sit together. As each contributor is alone, this crucial aspect is missing, and at some points, it feels as if you are just listening to a lecture on the film.
Tarantino is by far the most interesting contributor. His enthusiasm and fast style of talking shines through during his comments, including the occasional ‘fuck you’ directed at those listening. It’s a shame that this commentary doesn’t have Tarantino speaking throughout, as that would certainly be worth hearing and would keep those listening entertained throughout.
A lot can be learnt from listening to this, especially if you are interested in behind the camera dynamics of filming. The only thing that is missing is the ‘fun’ aspect from those talking, and ultimately, Tarantino is the only one who brings this to the commentary.
Commentary Score: 5/10
This is an average commentary, where we can hear from a range of people involved in the making of the film. But the jumping between contributors speaking alone soon becomes tedious.
Favourite Commentary Moment:
This commentary is worth listening to, just so you can hear Tarantino attempting (and failing) to do a British accent during his impression of Tim Roth.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.