Movies - TV
Quentin Tarantino Wanted You To Forget About Mr. Orange In Reservoir Dogs
By MIKE SHUTT
Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” is full of memorable scenes, but the one that sticks out most is the brutal sequence where Michael Madsen’s Mr. Blonde tortures a police officer to the tune of Stealers Wheels’ “Stuck in the Middle with You.” As the criminal prepares to kill the officer, he is suddenly shot dead by Tim Roth’s Mr. Orange, who was passed out from excessive bleeding.
This abrupt end surprised audiences as many forgot the character was present during the scene, a design feat that Tarantino masterfully executed. Mr. Orange goes undetected during this moment due to his lack of involvement in the action as he lies motionless in a puddle of blood, almost entirely becoming part of the set design rather than a character.
Tarantino explained, “One of the things about ‘Reservoir Dogs’ that really came off was how after a certain point you just forgot Orange was in the room. You can see him, he’s there, but his presence becomes this lump. [...] So when Orange shoots him it’s a real jolt.” While Mr. Orange is unconscious for half the movie, he becomes a central character as the truth about him is revealed.