Perhaps the most effective shots are those in which we do not see the action. The shots vary from slow panning handheld shots, to close ups of Nash’s bloodied face. The handheld style of this scene give the impression we are standing in the room, watching these events unfold. It is ironic how the lyrics happily sing of being surrounded by ‘clowns’ when we know someone is being tortured off screen. It is also prominent as the camera pans away from Nash getting his ear cut off, as all we have to look at is a dilapidated white wall, and listen to screaming and the cords of the song. The music is the focus of the scene, with Mr. The term stuck in the middle with you, and whailing ‘pleeease’ offers a different take on the lyrics, as Nash is tied to a chair, pleading to be set free. There is a good break down of lyrics here. Tarantino is said to have written the scene to coincide with the track. Many people know it as ‘the song from Reservoir Dogs’ and not Steelers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with you”. Tarantino has changed audience and listener perceptions of an already famous song. Blonde as he enjoys dancing around his victim are what made this scene so infamous. The odd choice of song in this scene, and bizarre actions by Mr. There is also the distant sound of a baby crying and car alarm going off, giving the impression there are other troubles in the neighbourhood – just not quite as sinister as the happenings in the warehouse. Blonde goes outside, the music fades and gravel crunches on his way to the car. We are lit listening to groans o fear and pain and the empty sound of shuffeling. Blonde dances across hard concrete floors, heightens the bizarre nature of the scene. Sound is kept relatively simple in this scene to allow us to focus on the music and dialogue, however there are a few key sounds. Blonde walks out to his car to retrieve gasoline, before walking back into the ‘sounds of the 70’s’ and the painful groans of Nash. A gravel road outside on a quiet road build suspence as Mr. Peeling white walls and bare floors make it seem like a suburban operating theatre. The location seems clinical with plastic wrapped appliances in the background, high ceilings and light raining down. Always has good timing…Ī stark, unassuming empty warehouse. A favourite actor of mine, perfectly casted for this role. Orange – An intriguing and complex character, Roth plays a man who is moral, believing in working for you money, yet also a crooked killer. Baltz effectively rides the line between gangster and cop, before he is strapped and tortured in an unforgettable scene. Kirk Baltz: Officer Marvin Nash – Baltz plays victim well in this scene, groaning and pleading as he is tortured and covered in gasoline. Tarantino has casted perfectly for this role, flipping convention on its head, having the audience rooting for the bad guy. He even makes you feel sad/ disappointed when he dies. Madsen makes a deranged, senseless character seem suave and cool. Even after this horrific act, he still remains one of the most loved characters. Blonde dances around a tied up Officer Nash to ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ before cutting off his ear with a straight razor.
Reservoir dogs ear scene movie#
In perhaps one of the most infamous torture scene’s in movie history, Mr. A psychopath who confesses to enjoying torturing. Blonde – Madsen is perfectly casted as a calm and collected gangster. Here is a link to the scene on YouTube: Reservoir Dogs – Ear Scene Although it is such a famous scene, I felt compelled to deconstruct it for myself, as i believe it is groundbreaking and amazingly executed. The torture scene of Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs is a cinematic masterpiece, using all aspects of cinema perfectly. A bizarre portrayal of a character so heartless and twisted. A contrast and irony in its use of music. Perhaps one that has been referred to too many times. In my opinion, one of the greatest movie scenes ever.