The Michael Caine movie Quentin Tarantino calls his favourite
Having risen to prominence in the early 1990s, Quentin Tarantino has forged a cinematic path that is both bloody and unique, reshaping the landscape for future generations. Renowned for his distinctive scriptwriting style and masterful direction, Tarantino has consistently delivered captivating and darkly humorous narratives, offering audiences a glimpse into his discerning and meticulously crafted cinematic universe.
Growing up in the 1960s, Tarantino enjoyed filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg. Each played a significant role in influencing Tarantino’s signature style and culminating in his rise to the top as Hollywood’s most esteemed aficionado. Tarantino has also consistently had his finger on the pulse regarding the best and biggest industry talent.
Although the director has a seemingly endless list of favourite cinematic masterpieces, the one that sits atop his list of quintessential British greats is 1971’s Get Carter, by director Mike Hodges. Portraying a London gangster who ventures to Newcastle to unravel the enigmatic demise of his brother, Michael Caine’s Jack Carter epitomises the suave and audacious demeanour of the actor, showcasing his adeptness at delivering both stylish and emotionally resonant performances.
Reflecting on the film’s purpose, Caine once remarked, “In that time, people thought that gangsters were either funny or stupid, and I wanted to show that gangsters were not funny, they were not stupid, they were economical with violence, it was just a means to an end, it was to silence you, and that’s where you get that coolness that Carter had, it was very edgy, you never get these people saying ‘if you say that again I’ll smash your face in, no they just smash your face in’.”
What’s particularly fascinating is how Get Carter continues to serve as a wellspring of inspiration for directors. Tarantino credits the movie as his gateway into the world of filmmaking, while Kubrick also holds it in high regard. Additionally, Caine’s homage to the work by naming his dog Carter speaks volumes about its impact on his life.
Interestingly, while many celebrate it now, its journey to iconic status wasn’t immediate, with initial reactions being mixed. Then, over 20 years since its initial release, Tarantino, along with a cartoon strip in Loaded, contributed to its newfound resurgence. This is even more intriguing considering the fact that, at the time, Tarantino had just entered the scene with his debut, Reservoir Dogs. Nonetheless, people were listening.
After cinematic contributions from Guy Ritchie in the late 1990s significantly boosted the British gangster genre, Get Carter experienced an even bigger significance, resulting in the BFI launching a re-release and describing the work as “the best British Gangster movie ever made”. Get Carter might have initially been a sleeper, but its popularity proves the value of Tarantino’s keen eye when it comes to quality filmmaking.
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