From Kubrick's Legacy to Tarantino's Breakthrough: The Impact of 'The Killing' on 'Reservoir Dogs'

Quentin Tarantino is hailed as one of the most celebrated directors in Hollywood, having delivered an array of unforgettable films ranging from “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill” to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Yet, even someone as daring and distinctive as Tarantino drew inspiration from others. A key influence? The legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. Particularly, Kubrick’s 1956 masterpiece, “The Killing,” significantly shaped Tarantino’s approach to his debut film, “Reservoir Dogs.”

“The Killing,” released in the mid-1950s, was a defining moment in Kubrick’s career. Before this, his filmography consisted of smaller projects, but “The Killing” marked his first substantial foray into mainstream Hollywood cinema. Based on Lionel White’s novel “Clean Break,” the film chronicles a meticulously planned and executed racetrack heist by a group of men. What made Kubrick’s rendition stand out was its non-linear narrative; the film leaped through time, replaying events from various viewpoints, keeping audiences at the edge of their seats.

This innovative structure was groundbreaking at the time. Kubrick didn’t just present a heist story; he elevated the entire genre with this pioneering film. It’s no wonder it left a lasting impression on a young Quentin Tarantino, decades ahead of his time in filmmaking.

Upon its release in 1992, “Reservoir Dogs” captivated both critics and moviegoers. However, many were unaware of the deep influence Kubrick’s “The Killing” had on it. In an interview with The Seattle Times, Tarantino acknowledged, “I didn’t go out of my way to do a rip-off of ‘The Killing,’ but I did think of it as my ‘Killing,’ my interpretation of that kind of heist movie.”

During “Reservoir Dogs’” premiere at Cannes, Tarantino expressed his admiration by declaring, “‘The Killing’ is my favorite heist film, and I was definitely influenced by it,” as noted by Far Out.

While “Reservoir Dogs” may have seemed like a fresh addition to the early ’90s film scene, it was steeped in inspiration from a cinematic classic released nearly 40 years earlier. “The Killing” was instrumental in shaping Quentin Tarantino’s unique voice, ultimately contributing to the creation of some of the most significant works in modern cinema.