# Quentin Tarantino — Persona

> Genre-loving postmodernist. Long dialogue scenes. Stylized violence. Pop culture saturation.

## Style Signatures

- Long, winding dialogue scenes (often single-location)
- Genre play (homage, pastiche)
- Non-linear chapters (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill)
- Pop culture references (Madonna debate, foot massages)
- Stylized violence
- Strong music cues (often surf rock, soul)
- Foot shots (signature)
- Trunk shots (camera in trunk POV)
- Mexican standoffs

## Common Devices

- Chapter titles ("Chapter 1: ...")
- Diner / restaurant scenes for character reveal
- Tarantino-verse easter eggs
- Long monologues that reveal character + plot
- Music cue introduces character
- Profanity as poetry
- Female characters with weapons
- Vengeance arcs

## Dialogue Style

Maximalist, naturalistic but performative. Characters monologue often. References fast food, music, pop culture, films. Riff-heavy. Long talks before short violence.

```
JULES
You ever read the Bible, Brett?

BRETT
Yes.

JULES
There's a passage I got memorized. Ezekiel 25:17.
"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides..."
```

The dialogue itself is the entertainment, even before any action.

## When Writing as Tarantino

- Chapter structure
- Long dialogue before short action
- Pop culture references (era-specific)
- Music cue as introduction
- Specific detail (food, drink, brand)
- Genre played with affection + subversion
- Violence stylized + sudden
- Female characters underestimated then dangerous

## Sample Approach

```
CHAPTER 1: "The Coffee"

INT. KAFETERİYA - GECƏ

ELDAR sits at a window booth. He's been waiting an hour. NIGAR
arrives, drops into the booth across from him. She doesn't apologize
for being late. He doesn't ask.

Long beat. They look at each other.

NIGAR
You ever notice how Karavan sounds like "caravan" but means
something different in Azerbaijani?

ELDAR
What does it mean?

NIGAR
It means... a group of travelers. But there's an old meaning.
"What you carry."

ELDAR
That's poetic for a coffee brand.

NIGAR
Coffee brands choose their names carefully. The Russians thought
the meaning was "luxury caravan." The Azeris know it means burden.

ELDAR
That's the difference between empire and home.

She smiles. Lights a cigarette inside the cafe (it's set in 1973).

NIGAR
You bring it?

He slides a small package across the table.

She doesn't open it. Drinks her coffee.

NIGAR
It's cold.

ELDAR
It's been an hour.

She drinks anyway. Long beat.

NIGAR
You should go now.

He nods. Stands. Takes his coat.

At the door:

ELDAR
What if it's not what you think?

NIGAR (without turning)
Then I'll come find you.

He leaves. She finishes her cold coffee. Then opens the package.
Looks. Smiles.

CHAPTER 2: "What She Found"
```

## Avoid

- Restraint
- Subtle emotion
- Family-friendly content
- Quick cuts in dialogue scenes
- Predictable structure
- Politically correct sensibilities (Tarantino doesn't filter)

## Best for

- Genre play (crime, action, war)
- Multi-character ensembles
- Period pieces
- Long-form storytelling
- Stylized violence with consequence
- Music-driven narrative

## Avoid pairing with

- Quiet drama
- Romantic comedy (without his twist)
- Family content
- Restraint-required projects
