Jackie Brown: generic thriller conventions
Release date: 25 December 1997 (USA)
Writers: Quentin Tarantino (screen), Elmore Leonard (novel)
Star Actresses/Actors: Pam Grier, Samuel.L.Jackson and Robert Forster.
The first action the audience see is a long tracking shot of Jackie and it is clear from her costume that she works in an airport as an air hostess. Tarantino is showing that black woman do have a high status - it looks as if he is representing her as a successful individual. The way she walks when she enters the airport shows she is confident and powerful.This shot is significant as it carries on for a long time, perhaps symbolising that she is a key character that the audience should always watch out for. Ambient lighting is shown in this first shot. Tarantino has challenged generic coventions is by casting a middle-aged black women as the protagonist.
Furthermore, whilst the audience are watching her non-digetic sound is heard where a soundtrack is played in the background. The soundtrack dominates over the character and it references soul music from the 1970'S. The soul music could also be referencing her personality. However, the lyrics in the song mentions the life of the streets - drug pushers, players, pimps.
We are introduced to another two characters called Louis and Robbie. They both appear to be scruffy characters who don't care about what others think, as Robbie's shirt is open and Louis looks scruffy in the way that he hasn't shaven his facial hair. Also Robbie is in a slouched position demonstrating that he is well laid-back and relaxed because he seems comfortable with himself. They appear to be watching a TV show which shows girls using guns, whom are wearing extremely revealing clothing. This shows their attitudes towards woman - they don't have much respect towards them. The dialogue only discusses the guns, and doesn't mention the woman, showing that violence is more appealing to them.
Melanie is later shown in this scene. We see close ups of her feet and her hand without seeing her face properly which could imply she doesn't have a high status and is less important. Alternatively, it implies that there is something mysterious about her. The rings on her toes could infer that she wants to be flashy which could mirror Robbie's personality.
After we see her, we can see she is wearing a bikini which is a vibrant colour. Tarantino may have used this to make her look attractive because the colours are visually appealing. Melanie is comfortably sitting in a chair eating, inferring that she too is lazy and tranquil.
In another scene, chiaroscuro lighting is used, which could be inspired by Film Noir. Beaumont is shown with his back up against the wall and he isn't wearing clothes. This insinuates that he has no protection from others and that he is vulnerable. Additionally, the location of the balcony is non-glamorous; it looks more gloomy, creating a dull atmosphere for the audience.
An inter textual reference for this film is the film 'Pulp Fiction' as both films have used the same low angle shot from the boot of a car. The boot could illustrate claustrophobia or entrapment. All we see is the two characters and a gun.This shot indicates mystery and suspense and represents menace. Also, the lighting here is pitch black, therefore it is non-ambient; this could symbolise fear of the unknown or death, but it mainly generates a negative vibe.
Tarantino challenges generic conventions as Louis shoots a girl (Melanie) in a car park - which is a generic thriller convention, however he shoots her in broad day light. This insinuates that he doesn't care what people think of him which could be another inter textual reference to Jason in 'Essex Boys'. Moreover, it shows that he is mad and that he is dangerous. This makes Louis seem more threatening towards the audience and other characters.
Noir lighting with a chiaroscuro effect reinforces the generic roots of the film. This is shown in the shot of the garage. Similarly, this effect is illustrated in the film 'Once upon a time in America' when the character Eve switches on her bed side lamp. Also, it is exemplified in 'Jackie Brown' in the scene where Ordell murders Beaumont in the waste ground.
