Quentin Tarantino Reveals Influence from Stanley Kubrick’s The Killing

LOS ANGELES, CA — Acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has openly discussed the significant impact that Stanley Kubrick‘s 1956 film, The Killing, had on his own work, especially his debut feature, Reservoir Dogs. This revelation adds depth to understanding Tarantino’s creative influences.

The Killing follows a group of men executing a racetrack heist, and is noted for its innovative storytelling techniques. Unlike traditional films of its time, Kubrick utilized a non-linear narrative, displaying the same events from various angles and time periods, captivating audiences and critics alike.

This distinctive approach not only marked a pivotal moment in Kubrick’s career but also helped redefine the heist genre. Tarantino, who launched his career with Reservoir Dogs in 1992, acknowledged the unparalleled effect this film had on him. In a recent interview, he stated, “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 take on that kind of heist movie.”

The filmmaker also declared The Killing as his favorite heist film during the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Reservoir Dogs, emphasizing the strong influence it had on his storytelling style. “The Killing is my favorite heist film, and I was definitely influenced by it,” he shared. Thus, while Reservoir Dogs introduced a fresh style to the crime genre, it also carried the legacy of a classic film nearly four decades prior.

This connection highlights the ways in which Tarantino’s artistic voice was shaped, as he continues to be one of the most impactful directors in modern cinema.