Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown Paper


Quentin Tarantino is not without controversy in regards to nearly all of the films that he makes. The same can be said for his third theatrical film Jackie Brown, released in theaters in the winter of 1997. It contains much of the same foul language and violence contained in his first two films, however Jackie Brown has the distinction of being commonly referred to as a blaxploitation film (or at least a reference to the blaxploitation genre, as star Pam Grier starred in several during the 1970’s). Tarantino’s usage of the “N” word garnered him much controversy with both Pulp Fiction this film, and even caused a pseudo feud with director Spike Lee, who was on record of saying “I'm not against the word, (though I am) and I use it, but not excessively. And some people speak that way. But, Quentin is infatuated with that word. What does he want to be made - an honorary black man?” (Variety) Whether or not his use of the word is appropriate, the director’s argument for doing so can surely be justified given the lifestyles and choices the characters exhibit throughout their universe. Put in a different way, Tarantino wishes not to be “black” himself but instead to eliminate (or at least blur) the line between black and white. In his view, using the taboo word “nigger” in dialogue eliminates its power and stronghold it has had on America for over two hundred years.
One of the first things the audience recognizes when watching Jackie Brown is the soundtrack and titles. There should be no question as to the influence of this film: the blaxploitation films of the 1970’s. Right off the bat the song “Across 110th Street” is played during the opening credit sequence (which in turn was on the soundtrack for the film of the same name in 1972). This should alert the viewer as to both the style and substance of the film, and, whether or not one agrees with its usage, justifies the racial undertones laid out throughout the...