I've heard about this on and off over the years, but had never seen it until Kottke posted a link this morning: It's a clip from "My Best Friend's Birthday," Quentin Tarantino's first film, ca. 1987. If I didn't know better, and I'm not sure I do, I'd suspect it's an elaborate prank. The young Tarantino who appears as a motormouth DJ is a pretty good caricature of everything we associate with Tarantino the actor — all the hyperkinetic, can't-sit-still, chew-the-scenery mannerisms are there in full. Fortunately, the things we associate with Tarantino the writer are present too — the black humor, the perfect pauses, the on-a-dime conversational switches. The directing? It's a wash. The thing's pretty primitive, but most of it was apparently destroyed in a fire at the lab. Still, it's a satisfying glimpse of one of our greatest, weirdest auteurs in utero.
Where Tarantino came from
Daniel Radcliffe will play Weird Al Yankovic in new biopic
Daniel Radcliffe is set to play Weird Al Yankovic in a new biopic titled Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. It will air on, er, the Roku Channel. From the Hollywood Reporter: Yankovic and Eric Appel penned the screenplay, with Appel directing the film and executive producing. Funny or Die and Tango are producing the feature,… READ THE REST
Watch the scene from the Lancer pilot that inspired Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Since the beginning of his directorial career, accusations of plagiarism have circled Quentin Tarantino like buzzards over carrion. The debate between the director's most ardent fans and detractors usually boils down to the difference between homage and theft. While he never gives too much credence to the claims of plagiarism, Tarantino will playfully claim to… READ THE REST
Hear how Jake Gyllenhaal almost replaced Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 2
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Take cyberspace back from thieves for just $39.99.
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. The tools to keep yourself safe online are pretty well known: antivirus programs, VPNs, and password managers are all used by millions to protect their data. But what about the data that you've… READ THE REST
Save $130 off this portable heated foot massager that you can take with you everywhere
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Walking around or standing while working all day can be tasking on the feet, but taking care of them can improve blood circulation along with many other health benefits. While investing in some shoe alternatives can be… READ THE REST
For $30, you can have a personal travel-sized washing machine
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Nowadays, with everything being smaller and smarter, it only makes sense to have a compact USB-powered washing machine, right? If you're constantly traveling or always on the go this portable washing machine by… READ THE REST
