In 1993, filmmaker Tony Scott directed the romantic crime drama True Romance, which became a cult classic. However, the film was originally meant to be directed by Quentin Tarantino, who also wrote the script for the film. The filmmaker decided to drop the idea of directing the film and sold the script to Scott.
Though Tarantino had worked on many iconic projects, there was one scene written in the film that he considered to be one of his best works. However, when the script was handed over to Scott, he made certain alterations to Tarantino’s original script. This led to a creative difference between Tarantino and Scott.
Quentin Tarantino once created a masterpiece, which he handed over to Tony Scott
Before gaining widespread recognition with his directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, Quentin Tarantino wrote the script for True Romance. Though the filmmaker was supposed to direct the film, he soon changed his mind and sold the script to Tony Scott. Scott was known for directing films like Deja Vu and Top Gun. However, Scott made some amendments to the script to suit his own vision and style.
Since Tarantino considered the script one of his best creations, he wanted it to be served as it is. But since Scott bought the rights to the film, he was free to make it as per his wish.
For instance, Tarantino’s original script stuck to non-linear storytelling, which means that the events of the story were not in chronological order. Whereas in Scott’s version of the film, he restructured the narrative in a more linear way. Here, Tarantino’s approach was to create a sense of mystery, which would help to hook the audience. While in Scott’s film, his technique simplified the story for the audience. During an interview, Tarantino reflected on his conversation with Scott. He said,
“’ Let’s just fall in love with them and stay there…I’m not doing it to be a commercial f***. I’m doing it because I love these f***ing kids, they f***ing deserve it. I can’t f***ing kill them.”
This led to a creative difference between Tarantino and Scott. Tarantino has often been vocal about his mixed feelings regarding the changes made to his script by the late director. While the 60-year-old director claimed that he was mostly pleased with Scott’s version of the narrative, he also expressed his dissatisfaction with the changes made to the script.
The collaboration of Quentin Tarantino and Tony Scott gave a cult classic film
Despite certain alterations, Quentin Tarantino’s writing in the script remained intact. His script included a Sicilian speech, which, according to him, was a show stealer. Tarantino once said in an interview,
“That was my best scene. I’m not saying it’s the best scene the way it works in the movie, but as far as a stand-alone scene, that was probably my best work. And I knew I would never top that.”
When Tony Scott’s version of True Romance hit theaters, it was a blast, and soon the film became a cult classic known for its perfect amalgamation of romance, action, and dark humor.
Source: Indiewire
