Second Review: True Romance

True Romance (1993)

Plot Synopsis

In Detroit, Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) marries Alabama (Patricia Arquette), a call girl who was hired to accompany him on his birthday, after only knowing her for a day. In order to completely free her, Clarence pays a visit to her pimp in order to kill him. When Clarence accidentally acquires a suitcase filled with cocaine, he and his new wife try to find a way to sell it by going to Hollywood.

Full Cast list: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108399/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm

Before we talk about the actual movie, we have to know a few things about its conception. This film was written by Quentin Tarantino, and those who have seen other movies of his will notice when examining the plot of this movie. However, Tarantino sold the script in order to fund Reservoir Dogs, a movie that he also wrote and wanted to direct. While watching, it made sense to me that the film was written, but not directed by Tarantino. On paper, the plot and characters fit in with those of Pulp Fiction: a simple plot with almost caricature-like personalities. In execution, this film feels very different.

There were somethings that I liked. Brad Pitt plays one character’s stoner roommate and only exists for some comic relief. All three of his scenes made me life due to the funny lines and Brad Pitt’s delivery. Another thing I liked was how Elvis Presley is consistently brought up in conversation or other ways. It made the movie feel more cohesive in a sometimes more subtle way. Also, many of the actors gave very good performances.

For a sizable chunk of this movie, I was confused as to whether it was trying to establish a comedic tone with the very quick marriage and goofiness of the main couple, or a serious one (I’ll continue to talk about tone in the spoiler section). Another thing that lessened my enjoyment was the music. For a movie about a couple trying to sell a bunch of drugs in Hollywood, the soundtrack consistently sounded pleasant and peaceful. Someone who I watched the movie with said it sounded like “Lion King background music”. If the movie was more consistently light hearted or trying to be humorous in a macabre way, then I feel that the music would fit better.

SPOILER TIME

So the newly-wed Mr. and Mrs. Clarence drive down to Hollywood while a Sicilian mobster interrogates and kills Clarence’s dad. The interrogation scene is tense, especially when Clarence’s dad begins to insult the mobster, but the serious tone of the scene is almost forgotten about a few scenes later. Some may say that the inconsistent tone of the movie is intentional, trying to combine the easy-going world of the main characters with murder and violence. The main characters also have darker scenes throughout the film, however, like when Alabama is trying to fight off a mob assassin. If the main characters having a dark moment was reserved for the climax, like when Alabama thinks Clarence is dead, I feel that the impact of the main couple’s changed outlook and sense of urgency would have been much better.

I think the thing that I was most confused about was Clarence, the main character. At first, he’s a geek who works at a comic book shop. He, and his wife, are impulsive seeing as they get married in a day. Clarence then has a complete personality change and decides to kill Alabama’s pimp. This change makes sense as he is trying to protect his wife. After the pimp is dead, Clarence maintains his confident personality for most of the movie. Another thing that I did not like was how Clarence’s mental state was under used. Near the beginning, Clarence talks with an imaginary Elvis Presley in his head. At first, I thought this would be an interesting way to look into the main character’s mind. However, Clarence and Elvis don’t talk again until the end of the movie.

Trying to decide how I feel about this movie was harder than I thought. Perhaps on a second viewing I would get more out of it, but for now, I’m going to say that I liked this movie more than I disliked it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Tarantino movies (with some caution) or are just looking for a movie to watch with some friends. Don’t expect a masterpiece, 6/10 (probably will change upon future watches)

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/true-romance