Get ready for a deep dive into Oliver Stone’s controversial 1994 film, “Natural Born Killers,” as Casey G. Smith and Reginald Titus Jr. dissect its chaotic brilliance on this episode of Filmmaker Commentary. This wasn’t just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon that sparked widespread debate and pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, earning Oliver Stone the Venice Film Festival’s Grand Special Jury Prize. We unpack Stone’s radical filmmaking choices—from his use of multiple film stocks and animation to rapid-fire editing and distinct visual styles—and explore how these techniques amplify the movie’s explosive themes of media sensationalism and society’s insatiable appetite for violence.
The hosts delve into the film’s initial mixed critical reception and the heated controversy surrounding its portrayal of Mickey and Mallory Knox, a murderous couple glorified by the press. You’ll gain unique insights into Stone’s personal message, including his direct critique of the media’s own complex relationship with violence, encapsulated in the film’s “art imitates life, life imitates art” ethos. Discover fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, such as original screenwriter Quentin Tarantino’s eventual disassociation from the final cut due to Stone’s extensive rewrites, and how the production’s intense environment, including filming in a real prison with actual inmates, contributed to the movie’s raw authenticity.
The discussion also explores how “Natural Born Killers” resonated then versus now, especially when viewed through the lens of contemporary real-world events. Hear how the hosts’ own experience of watching the film amidst social unrest impacted their perception of its hyper-violent narrative. We also touch on key technical aspects like “vertical cutting” and Stone’s deliberate use of visual tropes, offering filmmakers valuable lessons. This episode provides a comprehensive look at a film that challenged norms, sparked extensive philosophical debate about societal violence and media’s role, and continues to be a compelling, albeit uncomfortable, piece of cinematic history.
What We Cover
- Oliver Stone’s directorial vision and his infamous clashes with original screenwriter Quentin Tarantino over the film’s final direction.
- The film’s chaotic narrative and visual style, including its groundbreaking use of multiple film formats (35mm, 8mm, 16mm, video) and rapid-fire editing.
- “Natural Born Killers” as Oliver Stone’s stark critique of media sensationalism and society’s consumption of violence.
- Behind-the-scenes stories, including filming in a real prison with actual inmates, and the intense, “take it as far as you can” production environment.
- How the film’s controversial themes resonate—or clash—with today’s real-world events and media landscape.
- The impact of initial mixed critical reception and its journey from an NC-17 rating to an R-rated theatrical release due to extensive cuts.
Key Moments
- 0:33 The hosts introduce “Natural Born Killers” and share their first experiences with Oliver Stone’s provocative film.
- 2:10 Discussion on the film’s initial mixed critical reception and its controversial portrayal of violence in the media.
- 4:07 Exploring Oliver Stone’s personal message within the film, including his direct critique of the media’s own glorification of violence.
- 32:30 The hosts uncover the fascinating backstory of Quentin Tarantino’s original screenplay and his eventual disassociation from the final film.
Gear & Films Mentioned
- Natural Born Killers (1994, Director’s Cut)
- Pulp Fiction
- Forrest Gump
- Money Heist (aka House of Paper)
- Creed
- Creed 2
- Rocky (series, especially IV)
- Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Django Unchained
- Reservoir Dogs
- True Romance
- Platoon
- JFK
- Any Given Sunday
- Scarface
- 35mm film
- 8mm film
- 16mm film
- Video (various formats)
Listener Questions
- How did the film’s original script from Quentin Tarantino differ from what Oliver Stone ultimately brought to the screen?
- What unique filmmaking techniques did Oliver Stone employ, and how did they contribute to the film’s chaotic and satirical tone?
- In what ways does “Natural Born Killers” critique media culture, and how relevant are those critiques today?