Quentin Tarantino and Film Theory

This book examines a set of theoretical perspectives that critically engage with the notion of postmodernism, investigating whether this concept is still useful to approach contemporary cinema. This question is explored through a discussion of the films written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, largely regarded as the epitome of postmodern cinema and considered here as theoretical contributions in their own right. Each chapter first presents key ideas proposed by a specific theorist and then puts them in conversation with Tarantinos films. Jacques Rancires theory of art is used to reject postmodernisms claims about the death of the aesthetic image in contemporary cinema. Fredric Jamesons and Slavoj ieks dialectical thinking is mobilized to challenge simplistic, ideological readings of postmodern cinema in general, and Tarantinos films in particular. Finally, the direct influence of Carol Clovers psychoanalytical approach to the horror genre on Tarantinos work isdiscussed to prove the directors specific contribution to a theoretical understanding of contemporary film aesthetics.