From Dusk Till Dawn : A Gore Fest Starring Clooney, Marin, Keitel, Lewis and Others

Starring: George Clooney, Cheech Marin, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis

By Elizabeth S, published Mar 23, 2006
Published Content: 61  Total Views: 44,276  Favorited By: 5 CPs
Rating: 1.3 of 5
Not to be mistaken for a 'good' film by any stretch of the imagination, From Dusk 'Til Dawn is at least amusing, if in a gorey, over-the-top kind of way that signals that Tarantino was responsible for the script. 

This was part of the trio of movies that Rodriguez was under contract to produce for Warner Brothers so that they would later pay for a movie of his own design (Spy Kids), but there's no disputing that he put his all into this film. 

There is a clear and well-developed (if a bit linear) plotline, and the curve thrown into the equation 3/4 of the way through the film is so completely ludicrous that it ends up being funny, in that way that maybe you'd cry about how bad an idea it was if you weren't so busy laughing. 

Strong performances from Keitel and Marin make up for a cast of otherwise mediocre actors, and strong camera work (please note that 'strong' does not mean 'flashy' here) fills in the holes left in the script. 

Around every corner, you find yourself pounced upon by comedy so ironic that it's ridiculous, such as a former priest filling condoms with holy water, but when all is said and done, this film manages to pull everything together.  

Just remember that the film isn't horror and certainly isn't drama... it's an over-the-top violent comedy, filled with quirks culminating in an ending that isn't really meant to satisfy.

Takeaways
  • Robert Rodriguez directed From Dusk Till Dawn while under contract with WB.
  • Tarantino's signature gore is very evident in this film.
  • While over-the-top, this comedy definitely works.
Did You Know?
From Dusk Till Dawn makes reference to several other films-- Assault on Precinct 13, Pulp Fiction, The Wild Bunch, That Darn Cat, Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, and Desperado.
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