Film Preview: The Hateful Eight (2015)

Page Revisions:

(August 16, 2015) Original
(November 8, 2015) New Trailer (#2) / New Posters (#7-#9)
(December 20, 2015) New Poster (#10)

Release Date:

December 25, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “In post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Will they survive?”

Poster Rating: B+ / C / C+ (7) / C+

Review: (#1) I love the color scheme of this artistic rendering, it brings the characters to an isolated, snowbound cabin and that’s as evocative as it needs to be. (#2) This design is a bit sensationalistic, which makes it a bit distracting. As appropriate as it might be, it’s just not as competent as it could have been. (#3-#6) Only four of a likely seven character posters are currently available. The design is interesting and its counting mechanic works, but there’s not much detail beyond that and it’s too difficult to identify the actors on the poster itself, especially from a distance.

(#7-#9) There isn’t much to say about these since they are just the remaining three character posters introduced when I first posted (see the section on #3-#6 above).

(#10) There is no focus on a specific character, which makes the concept of this being an ensemble piece stronger. It’s not an otherwise inventive poster and might not be enough to deliver interest from the audience.

Trailer Rating: C+ / B

Review: (#1) Tarantino is one of those directors who has such a distinctive eye for visual style that a trailer like this just seems too mainstream for his capabilities. Even the dialogue is a bit stuff compared to the sizzling work he’s done in the past.

(#2) The plot unveils itself, at least sufficiently enough to either entice or drive away the audience. There isn’t much Tarantino eye candy on display, but the style is unmistakable, which should be enough to bring bodies to the theater for a bloody Christmas.

Oscar Prospects:

Tarantino has been consistent, which could result in a number of nominations for this film, though isolating individual actors might be a chore for voters.