To see or not to see

My little Hamletish divagations concern only the issue of going to movies to see The Hateful Eight or not. The Revenant used my patience and tolerance for watching violence. It is going to be more of it in the Tarantino’s new film. After all there are eight hateful people being heroes of the film. And Tarantino likes blood dripping from the screen.

Yet, I am hesitating. I have two or three days to make my decision as if I see the film I want it to be the 70mm version. I do not fully understand what the plus of such version is, but I understand some and want the whole intended effect.

                         

The reason for me considering such a trivial issue is my introduction to Tarantino’s films. It was more than 10 years ago when I was making a significant change in my life. Moving to Poland, becoming a part of a new family. All together one of my favourite concept of a new beginning. This typically brings new hopes, new dreams and temporary distortion of reality. For me it was also going back to my intellectual Polish roots after a lifetime of corporate and personal achievements. Even before I landed in Gdansk with my earthly goods and my little dog Kiki, I was told that I will need to see Pulp Fiction, the best film ever. I obviously had a lot to catch up with as I had never heard the name Tarantino before. So, soon after my arrival I was set in front of TV set (no popcorns, but a glass of sweet, herbal vodka confusingly called bitter) with father and son watching my reactions and expecting my elation. Frankly I was not that much impressed but seeing things through pink glasses at that time, I really gave the film a go. It was not that bad. Not quite the type of film I would choose myself, but there is always a value of opening one’s horizons to add new. I must say that by now I have seen the film few times and it has been growing up in my opinion considerably. I am thankful for the introduction.

Then The Kill Bill came along and the young man was very impressed. I respected his views but he said – Blooood all over the place! Even his father was not that keen to go to movies and see it. So that was it until one night in Gdansk when I could not sleep. I have a small TV set in the kitchen, so sleepily I wondered there and put the TV on. The scene took my interest and I stood and watched for a while. It was the part of choosing the Hattori Hanzo’s sword. After a short time I was transfixed and watched the film to the end still standing up. I may have made some herbal tea during that time, but I have not stopped watching for a second. Yes, it was a lot of blood, but it was so stylized that I was not repulsed by it at all. Just the opposite I was watching the bloody scenes admiring choreography and the sense of humour.  I have seen the film many times since this memorable night, so I am hesitating now about The Hateful Eight. Should I buy myself three hours of stress or be respectful to my health and time? Any advice?

I have also seen Django Unchained on one of my long trips from Sydney to Europe and I found it again funny in spite of being cruel and gory. For me with Tarantino it is just a convention and cruel scenes do not have the same effect as scenes of The Revenant meant to scare and repulse. It is still difficult watching so my decision is still to be made…