Final Fandom Blog - Nash Bostdorf

    I have only recently become acquainted with Tarantino as a director and actor, having seen Pulp Fiction, Django, Inglourious Basterds, and The Hateful Eight, being the first movie I ever watched from him. When I started my research, I didn't realize there was such a big following for his films, and how in-depth his fan base can be was very interesting to me. If you’ve seen Pulp Fiction and liked the dialogue, or watched Django Unchained and enjoyed the sheer audacity of it, you’ve already taken your first step into a larger world. But watching a Tarantino film and being a Tarantino Fan are two different things. Tarantino isn’t just another filmmaker; he blends history, pop culture, and stylized storytelling into a genre all his own. Being a part of this fandom isn’t just about enjoying movies; it’s about appreciating a unique cinematic universe, a distinct voice, and a relentless love for film history. Here is why joining the Tarantino fandom is the best decision for any film lover.

    Of course, you have to start with the movies themselves, as this is what the fandom is all about, kicking off with one of the most interesting traits of his films, a dialogue that pops. Tarantino’s films are not just about the car chases, though they are great; they are about the conversations between the characters. The "hangout" vibe his characters create feels real, funny, and cool, often discussing pop culture in a way that makes you feel like you're sitting at the table with them. He crafts intense, unpredictable scenes that can shift from a friendly chat about cheeseburgers to deadly tension in seconds. These conversations are often discussed throughout many online forums as little inside jokes among true fans, which is always a fun way to connect with others about something you already enjoy. 

    As you might not have known, the Tarantino films have a deep, interconnected universe within each of the films. As a fan, you get to explore the complex, hidden structure of Tarantino's two distinct universes. The first being the "Realer than Real" universe, including the characters from Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and Hateful Eight. One example from this universe is Vic Vega from Reservoir Dogs and Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction are actually brothers. Characters from True Romance from the "Realer Than Real" universe as appear elsewhere, and brand names like "Red Apple Cigarettes" pop up across the entire filmography. The second universe, called the "Movie Universe," includes characters from Kill Bill and Dusk til Dawn. In this way, watching his films bridge together in ways that make his filmography feel like solving a massive puzzle. Fans are finding these hidden Easter Eggs, connecting the dots all the way from 1970s L.A. to his historical epics.

    The best part, however, of joining the Tarantino fandom community is the online interaction with other fans in many ways. One of the most interesting ways to interact with other fans is through debating common questions that are presented in his films. Some common ones about Pulp Fiction include what was in the Pulp Fiction Briefcase? Theories such as Marsellus Wallace's soul retrieved from the devil, the diamonds from Reservoir Dogs, or Elvis's golden suit. Did Jules actually witness a miracle? Fans debate whether the bullets missing Vincent and Jules was divine intervention or simply a coincidence. Also, what happens to Marcellus Wallace? Does he die, or does he get his property back? All fun theories and puzzles that can be dabted with in the fandom. Along with all of the cool fan art that is posted online and live events to attend, like "Tarantino Live" in Los Angeles, with a rock 'n' roll performance, dance, and action based on his movies, there is plenty of entertainment within the Tarantino fandom.