Horror Pick: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
I’ve been trying to avoid “classic” films that most genre fans would have already seen for these picks, but then I realized most people aren’t as insanely obsessed with horror movies like I am, meaning some golden oldies may have fallen through the cracks where younger, budding fans are concerned. With that in mind, this week’s edition of “WHY HAVEN”T YOU SEEN IT YA DINGUS” highlights the epic pairing of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino – the spaghetti and meatballs of horror – and sets us on a vampiric collision course South of the border. You bet you’re ass I’m talking about From Dusk Till Dawn.
By vampires, I of course mean vampire strippers, because have Tarantino and Rodriguez ever been known for toning down ideas? To be fair, Tarantino wrote this screenplay based off of a Robert Kurtzman story, and Rodriguez directs, but these two relentless filmmakers unite for an uncanny mashing of visual insanity, engaging dialogue, and one of horror’s most unique tonal shifts. Viewers first experience a criminal thrill ride, as the Gecko brothers (Tarantino and George Clooney) dodge the fuz on their way to Mexico, seeking refuge in a sketchy strip club known as the Titty Twister.
From Dusk Till Dawn is a “best of both worlds” scenario filled with everything you’ve come to know and love about both filmmakers. Rodriguez loads up scene after scene of brutally hilarious vampire kills, Tarantino writes a wild screenplay filled with eccentric oddities like a biker with a hidden crotch revolver, practical effects ooze perfection, the Titty Twister itself becomes an iconic location – this is badass horror with a spicy, Latin flavor. Everything from the cast (Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Tom Savini, Harvey Keitel, Salma Hayek, Juliette Lewis and a slew of familiar faces) to the soundtrack (Tito & Tarantula) shine throughout what I consider Rodriguez’s best work, easily making this flick my favorite vampire movie of all time.
My tastes do tend to lean more towards the comedic, as fun-filled moments of impaling vampire strippers give true atmospheric terror a break, but that’s why From Dusk Till Dawn works as a taught thriller and absolute horror rollercoaster. Just remember, avoid Mexican strip clubs at night – especially if Danny Trejo is tending the bar.
Oh, and the series inspired by the film isn’t half bad, either. Check out our exclusive interview with its cast below and hear what they have to say.
