Grindhouse (2007)

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's homage to exploitation double features in the '60s and '70s with two back-to-back cult films that include previews of coming attractions between them.

Directors:

Robert Rodriguez, Eli Roth

Writers:

Robert Rodriguez, Rob Zombie

Stars:

Kurt Russell, Rose McGowan, Danny Trejo

8 wins & 20 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kurt Russell	...	Stuntman Mike (segment "Death Proof")
Zoë Bell	...	Zoë Bell (segment "Death Proof") (as Zoe Bell)
Rosario Dawson	...	Abernathy (segment "Death Proof")
Vanessa Ferlito	...	Butterfly (segment "Death Proof")
Sydney Tamiia Poitier	...	Jungle Julia (segment "Death Proof")
Tracie Thoms	...	Kim (segment "Death Proof")
Rose McGowan	...	Pam (segment "Death Proof") / Cherry (segment "Planet Terror")
Jordan Ladd	...	Shanna (segment "Death Proof") / Judy (segment "Thanksgiving")
Mary Elizabeth Winstead	...	Lee (segment "Death Proof")
Quentin Tarantino	...	Warren (segment "Death Proof") / Rapist #1 (segment "Planet Terror")
Marcy Harriell	...	Marcy (segment "Death Proof")
Eli Roth	...	Dov (segment "Death Proof") / Tucker (segment "Thanksgiving")
Omar Doom	...	Nate (segment "Death Proof")
Michael Bacall	...	Omar (segment "Death Proof")
Monica Staggs	...	Lanna Frank (segment "Death Proof")

Storyline

A double-bill of thrillers that recall both filmmakers' favorite exploitation films. "Grindhouse" (a downtown movie theater in disrepair since its glory days as a movie palace known for "grinding out" non-stop double-bill programs of B-movies) is presented as one full-length feature comprised of two individual films helmed separately by each director. "Death Proof," is a rip-roaring slasher flick where the killer pursues his victims with a car rather than a knife, while "Planet Terror" shows us a view of the world in the midst of a zombie outbreak. The films are joined together by clever faux trailers that recall the '50s exploitation drive-in classics.

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Plot Keywords:

double feature | original story | zombie | real twins playing twins | anthropophagus | 

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Taglines:

You'll Come Home for the Holidays... In A Body Bag (segment 'Thanksgiving')

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Genres:

Action | Horror | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong graphic bloody violence and gore, pervasive language, some sexuality, nudity and drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

The jukebox featured in "Death Proof" (named AMi, pronounced "Amy"), is Quentin Tarantino's own. It was trucked to Austin to be used in the film in its very own rig. The list of songs on it was also hand-written by Tarantino.

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Goofs

During the car chase at the end of Death Proof, the cars are shown rubbing side by side at supposedly a high speed. However, two regulation cars of the road are shown passing the cars as they rub together, showing that was filmed at a much lower speed.

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Quotes

Abernathy: I was wondering if my friends and I could take the car out on our own just to see if we feel comfortable in it.
Jasper: Why would I do something stupid like that?
Abernathy: To better sell your automobile.
Jasper: How do I know you're not just gonna steal it?
Abernathy: Four reasons. One: we are not thieves. Two: that would be rude. Three: we are staying at the Day's Inn in town, you can check with them, we are registered for the next month. Well, Zoe's not, but Kim and I are so we are totally track-downable.
Jasper: Who's Kim? The colored girl?
Abernathy:
[...]

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Crazy Credits

Just below the listing for Quentin's personal chef is the following credit: "Personal Chef for Mr. Rodriguez - Robert Rodriguez"

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Alternate Versions

Grindhouse was only released as one movie in English speaking countries. In other countries, the movie was cut in two parts (Tarantino and Rodriguez segments), but each one is an extended version of those seen in the one shot movie.

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Connections

References Nightmare (1981)

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Soundtracks

Jeepster
(uncredited)
Written by Marc Bolan
Performed by T. Rex
Muscadet Productions, Inc.
(Death Proof)

User Reviews

Best "experience" in years

I won tickets to the world premiere of Grindhouse in LA this past week and it was the best 3 hours of my life in recent history. The stories of the two movies combined with the detail and inventiveness of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez brought together 3 hours of action packed fun. The two directors updated the sleazy grindhouse movie experience from the 70's and commercialized it so that we can all enjoy it. You won't find some greasy guy with his pants around his ankles sitting next to you, but you are probably going to be able to sit through all 3 hours of these movies.

I want to compliment the directors for having a unique cinematic vision (and the Weinsteins for funding that vision). I don't always agree with the choices made with either of the filmmakers, but I think they are two of the hardest working most innovative people in Hollywood today. I add this because most film studies students love to hate both of these people and in most conversations suggest that they would be able to do a much better job than either. I disagree.

Planet terror is a gross out flick that has appropriate amounts of gore and guts. If you like Rodriguez, then this movie fits in with all of his previous works. No real surprises here, but fun fun fun!

Tarantino surprised me. I liked the first movies from Tarantino because his movies were set in realities not far from our own. I doubt that it would happen in a weekend, but Pulp Fiction is a semi-believable good story in Los Angeles with unbelievable dialog. Same with Reservoir Dogs. (Jackie Brown is too believable and therefore, uninteresting) As he has progressed, his movies became fantasy, e.g., From Dusk til Dawn and Kill Bill 1 & 2 and WAY too over the top for a "Tarantino" flick.

Death Proof brings it all home! I don't want to spoil any of the movie, so just go see it! It's a simple plot with unbelievable suspense and decent dialog. I have never been so nervous in a film in as long as I can remember. Its no secret that the movie involves a car -- but Tarantino has taken a "classic" car scenario using a classic car and updated it for the new millennium. One only has suspend belief "just enough" for this mix of reality and fantasy to suck them in. It was Tarantino at his best.

Both movies were well executed, well scored, well written, and well played. The extra's and cameos are icing on the cake. No Oscars for either director, but that isn't why you went to see these movies in the first place, now is it?

Details

Official Sites:

TFM [France] West Video [Russia]

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

6 April 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Grind House

Filming Locations:

Texas Chili Parlor, 1409 Lavaca St, Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$67,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,596,613, 8 April 2007

Gross USA:

$25,037,897

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$25,422,088

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dimension Films, Big Talk Productions, Dartmouth International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

191 min 189 min (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

SDDS DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1