Planet Terror

PT’s DVD extras are very much in the style of those for Death Proof, except that it’s Robert Rodriguez shooting the breeze rather than the reservoir dog. Originally these spoof action horror flicks were destined for a double bill, under the moniker Grindhouse, but when it bombed in the States they decided to present them separately in Europe.

Once more the atmosphere is far out and friendly, which means everyone’s loving the Bob’n’Quent Xperience. A movie like Planet Terror may take a leak on the yukfest style of grossout violence, including sexy broads and brain-eating zombies, but it still needs serious guys, like stunt co-ordinator Jeff Dashnaw, to make it happen.

They talk about the stunts and special effects (450 in total, according the man from Sin City), while giving away the secrets of how they were done. These are, as you might expect, fascinating. “How did you do the machine gun leg?” Rodriguez is asked repeatedly. He shows you.

His writing methods are unusual as well. He likes being inspired by an actor, in this case Rose McGowan. He wrote 30 pages around the character of Cherry before bringing in the others, or even knowing who they would be.

DVD extras tend to be a succession of talking heads, gabbing on about what a great time they had had and what a terrific person the director/leading actor/stuntman/dog was. It’s not quite the same here as the talking heads are more like talking people and they sound genuine. The thing about Tarantino and Rodriguez that inspires confidence is that they behave like kids on the razzle, surrounded by dedicated professionals who appreciate their energy and jokes.

As in Death Proof, where stuntlady Zoe Bell was given an important supporting role, Rodriguez employs his doctor (“I was so nervous, my brain went numb”), his geeky-looking friend and his estate agent (realtor), “because he has this Texan accent no one can understand,” and persuades them to be themselves and try not to act, or follow the script. And it works!

They needed to use their imagination because of the money, or lack of it (“We had to have enough left over to make Quentin’s film”). Freddy Rodriguez, who plays Cherry’s boyfriend, owned one jacket and they made him wear it all the time, while he and McGowan did their own stunts. When required everyone doubled up on jobs, including zombie detail. Stacy Ferguson, one of the dishiest babes, complained of being bitten on the shoulder by Tarantino during her “death” scene. She shows the marks, laughing, “I’ll get even.” Much to Quentin’s delight, no doubt.