The Hateful Eight premiere: A chat with Quentin Tarantino, Tim Roth, Kurt Russell and Ennio Morricone

Set to be released on Christmas Day in unusual 70mm film form, legendary Quentin Tarantino is back with his newest film, The Hateful Eight. Known for cinematic classics Pulp Fiction, the Kill Bill movies and Django Unchained, Tarantino’s newest release will yet again feature big names, lots of blood and badass villains.

Inspired by Sergio Leone, Western television programmes, Bonanza and The Virginian, The Hateful Eight is set in post-Civil War Wyoming. The story begins with John Ruth (Kurt Russell), or “The Hangman”, escorting fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) through the wintry countryside to Red Rock, hoping to bring her to justice. Along the bumpy road, the duo encounter infamous bounty hunter, Major Marquis (Samuel L Jackson) and southern defector, Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins). Overtaken by a powerful blizzard, the four seek refuge at a mountain pass, and are greeted by four more faces: Bob “The Mexican” (Demian Bichir), Oswaldo “The Little Man” Mobray (Tim Roth), Joe “The Cow Puncher” Gage (Michael Madsen), and Sanford “The Confederate” Smithers (Bruce Dern). Faced with betrayal, deception and bloody conflicts, the eight strangers soon learn that they may not make it there after all.

We were lucky enough to speak to some of the stars at the London premiere of the film, as they were received by eager fans.

Despite the rain, Quentin Tarantino greeted us with his iconic smile. He discussed what it was like finally being able to work with Italian composer, Ennio Morricone, and the success of the film’s music, which is up for a nomination at the Golden Globe awards. Jennifer Jason Leigh’s nomination for Best Supporting Actress was another of the film’s achievements, and Tarantino explained how excited he was to have her on board the cast.

Walking down the red carpet, looking charming besides his wife, Ennio Morricone told us how Tarantino asked him to work on the film’s music, his favourite of the pieces he wrote for the soundtrack, and how this western is different from Sergio Leone’s, the Italian director who reinvented the genre.

Kurt Russell opened up about how his previous experiences working in the Western film genre have helped him with his role in The Hateful Eight. He also expressed how thrilled he was to be able to work with Tarantino here.

Similarly to Kurt Russell, Tim Roth also described how honoured he was to be working with the acclaimed director. Having worked with Tarantino in Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs before, he described how his film sets and directing have changed.

Walton Goggins described the best moments he had while on set, as well as what makes Tarantino’s films so special and highly anticipated.

We chatted with producer Shannon McIntosh about collaborating with Tarantino, her role in the production of the film, and the challenges she faced in the process.

Already having won numerous awards and nominations for acting, screenplay and film score, The Hateful Eight is expected to be another success for Tarantino.

Naomi Schanen
Video: Filippo L’Astorina