How quickly time goes by. I can still recall, with relatively clarity, the rapt anticipation surrounding Kill Bill: Vol 1, Quentin Tarantino‘s first film in six years — as far as some foolish sorts were concerned, a whole nine — but that we’re now an entire ten out from its theatrical release is, frankly, more than a little startling to yours truly. Relevant for reasons greater than mere nostalgia, too: its impact on the writer-director’s career henceforth has been undeniable — yours truly is awfully wont to consider Vol. 1 its superior companion a major formal and thematic division point in his career; surely I’m not alone — and, so, the chance to provide some brief reflection is too good to pass up.
For a trip back to that magical, more-innocent time of fall 2003, one can see a 28-minute interview Tarantino conducted with BBC Four on the eve of Vol. 1‘s release. Herein is not just an entertaining piece of promotional material, but a still-illuminating chat filled with unexpectedly accurate hints of what would follow in the next decade; notice of “a low-budget movie,” for one thing, is amusing, considering what would follow his two-part epic. Now, if only The Weinstein Company would take today as a fitting opportunity to announce a Blu-ray release of The Whole Bloody Affair…
Watch the full special below:
Did you enjoy this look back at Kill Bill? Had you seen the film in theaters?