Death Proof is part of a collection of 70’s horror film
moments created by Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez entitled Grindhouse. Now released on its own, Death Proof is more
of a movie in its own right, but still maintaining that 70’s feel.
Kurt Russell stars as Stuntman Mike, a seemingly retired
stunt driver who still drives around town in his stunt car. No longer being able to get the thrill of
stunt driving, Stuntman Mike now gets his kicks trying to kill women using his
car. The car itself has been designed to
keep the driver safe, or as he himself says “Death Proof”, this sadly doesn’t
mean anyone else is offered the same protection. He has even adapted the cars passenger seat
to be part of his killing tool for any unlucky passengers to be offered a lift
home...those of you reading who flout the law by not wearing your seatbelt may
feel inclined to do so after watching this movie.
In Texas he follows a group of women out celebrating,
secretly stalking them from place to place in what seems like a twisted method
of foreplay. Later when the moment is
right he climaxes the evening with a
head on car crash where he of course is the only survivor, thanks to that car.
After recuperating in hospital his insurance obviously has
paid out well enough for him to be able to build a new death proof car and it’s
not long before he spots another likely car full of lady victims, little does
he know this time that one of these women is a stunt driver too and perhaps her
driving skills could be enough to save them from Stunt Man mikes insanely
reckless driving antics.
This is a pretty good movie that really does capture the iconic
style of 70’s car chase and slasher movies; it takes a little while to get
going but when the tension hits you’ll be hooked to the screen like I was. With great performances from Kurt Russell, a
whole host of new young female actors who will for sure go onto become very
successful and of course, the quiet understated cameo from Tarantino himself, playing the barman.