Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1992) is a cult classic that marked the director’s explosive debut, redefining crime thrillers with its sharp dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and unforgettable characters. But there’s more to this heist-gone-wrong than what meets the eye. Here are 10 behind-the-scenes facts about Reservoir Dogs that will give you a deeper appreciation for this indie masterpiece.
1. The Film’s Budget Was Just $1.2 Million
Reservoir Dogs was made on a shoestring budget of only $1.2 million, which is tiny by Hollywood standards. Tarantino had originally hoped to make it for just $30,000 before Harvey Keitel came on board and helped raise the budget.
2. Harvey Keitel Saved the Film
Harvey Keitel not only played the key role of Mr. White but also helped secure financing for the film. After reading the script, he became an executive producer and used his industry connections to raise more money and get the project off the ground.
3. The Cast Rehearsed in a Real Warehouse
To get into character and develop chemistry, the cast rehearsed in a Los Angeles warehouse for two weeks, mimicking the setting of the film. This method helped create the tension and raw energy seen in the final product.
4. Tarantino Wanted to Play Mr. Pink
Quentin Tarantino initially wrote the role of Mr. Pink for himself, but after seeing Steve Buscemi’s audition, he gave him the part instead. Buscemi’s portrayal of the neurotic, talkative criminal became one of the most memorable in the film.
5. The “Stuck in the Middle with You” Scene Was Hard to Film
The infamous ear-cutting scene, set to Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You,” was so disturbing that actor Michael Madsen (Mr. Blonde) had a tough time filming it. Madsen even had to take breaks because he felt uncomfortable pretending to torture actor Kirk Baltz, who played the cop.
6. It Was Filmed in Just 35 Days
The entire movie was shot in just 35 days, with many scenes filmed in a single take. The small budget and tight schedule meant the cast and crew had to work quickly, often relying on improvisation.
7. Tarantino’s Love for Nonlinear Storytelling
Tarantino’s signature nonlinear storytelling style is on full display in Reservoir Dogs. This was a bold move for a first-time filmmaker, and it influenced countless other movies in the years that followed.
8. The Opening Scene Was Almost Cut
The iconic diner scene, where the characters discuss tipping and Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” almost didn’t make it into the film. Some producers thought it was unnecessary, but Tarantino fought to keep it because it introduced the characters’ personalities.
9. A Real Jewelry Store Heist Inspired the Script
Tarantino was inspired by stories he heard about a real-life jewelry store heist that went wrong, sparking the idea for Reservoir Dogs. He wanted to explore the aftermath of a heist rather than show the crime itself, which became a defining feature of the movie.
10. The Title’s Origin Is a Mystery
The meaning behind the title Reservoir Dogs is still unclear. Tarantino has never given a definitive answer, though one theory is that it’s a mashup of Au Revoir Les Enfants (a French film) and Straw Dogs, two movies Tarantino admires.