All 3 Movies Written, But Not Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Ranked

Here’s an article for FYM News website:

## All 3 Movies Written, But Not Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Ranked

Quentin Tarantino is a cinematic icon. Known for his distinctive style, sharp dialogue, and non-linear storytelling, Tarantino has made an indelible mark on the film industry. While he’s celebrated for directing his own screenplays, some of his most compelling stories have been brought to life by other talented directors. These collaborations offer a unique glimpse into Tarantino’s creative mind through different directorial lenses. Let’s dive into a ranking of all three movies written but not directed by Quentin Tarantino.

### Why This Ranking Matters

Tarantino’s screenplays have a signature flair. Ranking these films helps us understand how different directors interpret his vision. It also shines a light on the collaborative nature of filmmaking and how a writer’s work can evolve in the hands of another artist. For fans of Tarantino and cinema alike, this exploration provides a fresh perspective on some well-loved movies.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

* **From Dusk Till Dawn (1996):** A wild ride blending crime and horror.
* **True Romance (1993):** A classic romantic crime story with a distinctive Tarantino feel.
* **Natural Born Killers (1994):** A controversial film with a “story by” credit for Tarantino.

Now, let’s get into the rankings.

## 3. ‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994)

‘Natural Born Killers’ often feels more like an Oliver Stone film than a quintessential Tarantino piece. While Tarantino received a “story by” credit, the screenplay was crafted by David Veloz, Richard Rutowski, and Oliver Stone, who also directed the film. This led Tarantino himself to distance himself from the final product, claiming it strayed far from his original vision.

### A Product of Its Time

Stylistically, ‘Natural Born Killers’ is very much a film of the 1990s. However, some of its commentary on crime and media still resonates today. The film follows Mickey and Mallory Knox, two troubled lovers who embark on a killing spree. The media glorifies their violence rather than condemning it, and the public becomes enthralled with their escapades. This theme remains relevant in our modern, media-saturated world.

### Oliver Stone’s Big Swings

Oliver Stone’s direction is bold, but often misses the mark. He takes big swings, and only some of them connect. Despite its flaws, the film has its passionate fans and offers some redeeming qualities. The social commentary and satire are strong at times, and performances by Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, and Robert Downey Jr. stand out. While Tarantino may have disowned it, ‘Natural Born Killers’ is not entirely without merit. It’s a messy, sometimes intentionally so, cinematic experience.

## 2. ‘True Romance’ (1993)

‘True Romance’ retains a noticeable Quentin Tarantino “feel”, even with Tony Scott’s distinctive style. It’s reminiscent of Scott’s ‘Revenge,’ focusing on two people on the run in a road-movie format. The plot shares similarities with ‘Natural Born Killers’—both are love stories centered around protagonists on the wrong side of the law—but ‘True Romance’ is more likable and less nihilistic. Despite its brutality, the film is endearing and less messy than ‘Natural Born Killers’.

### An Impressive Cast

‘True Romance’ boasts an impressive cast, including Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gandolfini, Christopher Walken, and Dennis Hopper. Each actor brings a unique flavor to the film, making it a standout in the romantic crime genre. The film is filled with memorable scenes and sharp dialogue, indicative of Tarantino’s writing.

### Dated but Charming

Like many films from the 1990s, some aspects of ‘True Romance’ are dated. However, it’s dated in a charming way. Some dialogue might be written differently today, but that’s part of its nostalgic appeal. The movie is very good but falls just short of being the best of these Tarantino-written, non-directed films.

## 1. ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ (1996)

‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ is famous for being a horror movie, at least in part. The film begins as a crime story, typical of Tarantino’s style, with morally dubious characters and fast-talking dialogue. Two criminals take a father and his two children hostage, planning a lengthy getaway. However, they stop at the wrong place, leading to a wild and unexpected turn into horror. George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino are together in this film.

### A Creative Switch-Up

The transition from crime to horror is a defining aspect of ‘From Dusk Till Dawn.’ This switch-up either elevates the movie, turning a decent crime story into a great horror film, or it can be jarring for those who enjoyed the first half’s tone. However, this ranking favors the former. The dramatic turn is funny and creates a sense that anything can happen, making the viewing experience energizing.

### An Entertaining Ride

‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ is an entertaining ride. It’s an underbaked Tarantino film until it explodes into a much gorier experience. The film features memorable performances, including George Clooney in a small part. The less said about Tarantino’s performance, the better. He excelled at writing ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ but not as much in playing one of its key characters.

## Conclusion

Quentin Tarantino’s screenplays are distinctive, and these three films offer a unique perspective on his writing through different directorial styles. While ‘Natural Born Killers’ is a controversial and flawed film, ‘True Romance’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ showcase Tarantino’s talent for crime, romance, and unexpected twists. ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ takes the top spot due to its creative switch-up and entertaining ride. These movies continue to be celebrated by fans, highlighting Tarantino’s lasting impact on cinema, whether he’s in the director’s chair or not. His unique voice shines through, making each film a noteworthy entry in his impressive filmography.