“Four Rooms” (1974)

Drama

Running Time: 98 minutes

Written and directed by: Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino

Featuring: Tim Roth, Antonio Banderas, Jennifer Beals, Paul Calderon, Sammi Davis, Valeria Golino, Madonna, David Proval, Ione Skye, Lili Taylor, Marisa Tomei and Tamlyn Tomita

Angela: “It’s hard to stop talking about something that’s so *huge*. I mean, I could go on and on about his cock, his bone, his knob, his bishop, wang, thang, rod, hot rod, hump mobile, oscar, dong, dagger, banana, cucumber, salami, sausage, kielbassa, schlong, dink, tool, Big Ben, Mr. Happy, Peter Pecker, pee-pee, wee-wee, wiener, pisser, pistol, piston joint, hose, horn, middle leg, third leg, meat, stick, joystick, dipstick, one-eyed wonder, junior, little head, little guy, Rumpleforeskin, Tootsie Roll, love muscle, skin flute, Roto-Rooter, snake, hammer, rammer, spammer, bazooka, rubber, chubby, sticky, stubby… schmeck, schmuck, schvantze, ying-yang, yang…”

Critical Commentary

Cinema is a medium that consistently pushes boundaries, transcending traditional narratives and formats. One film that embodies this audacious spirit is “Four Rooms,” a 1995 anthology film directed by Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Allison Anders, and Alexandre Rockwell. This essay aims to delve into the distinctiveness of “Four Rooms,” exploring its structure, themes, directorial collaborations, and impact on cinematic storytelling.

“Four Rooms” presents a unique narrative structure, comprising four interconnected vignettes set in a hotel on New Year’s Eve. Each segment is directed by a different filmmaker, showcasing their distinctive styles while contributing to the overarching storyline. This narrative framework encourages audience engagement as they navigate the shifting tones and visual aesthetics from room to room.

The anthology format of “Four Rooms” allows for the exploration of a variety of themes and tones within a single film. From dark humor to absurdity, from eroticism to mystery, each segment introduces different facets of storytelling. The four rooms become microcosms of human experiences, reflecting the diverse range of emotions that people encounter in their lives.

“Four Rooms” is a remarkable example of directorial collaboration, with four acclaimed filmmakers lending their distinct voices to the project. Quentin Tarantino’s segment showcases his signature dialogue-driven style, Robert Rodriguez’s segment brings in his flair for dynamic action, Allison Anders’ segment delves into character-driven drama, and Alexandre Rockwell’s segment offers a whimsical, almost surreal touch. These diverse styles contribute to the richness and unpredictability of the film.

“Four Rooms” challenges traditional notions of linear storytelling, pushing the boundaries of narrative experimentation. This anthology format has influenced subsequent filmmakers to explore alternative ways of presenting multiple stories within a single film. The success of “Four Rooms” demonstrates that audiences are receptive to non-conventional narratives and are willing to engage with complex storytelling structures.

Upon its release, “Four Rooms” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised its audacity and innovation, while others found its fragmented structure disjointed. Despite the initial reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, with viewers appreciating its uniqueness and willingness to take risks. “Four Rooms” stands as a testament to the power of artistic experimentation in cinema.

In this section, we will delve into each of the four segments individually, discussing their themes, visual styles, character dynamics, and how they contribute to the overall narrative.

The Missing Ingredient (directed by Allison Anders): A character-driven exploration of desperation and sexuality, this segment introduces us to the eccentric guests of the hotel and sets the tone for the ensuing chaos.

The Wrong Man (directed by Alexandre Rockwell): Infused with absurdity and dark humor, this segment presents a bizarre situation that spirals out of control, showcasing the unpredictability of life’s events.

The Misbehavers (directed by Robert Rodriguez): This action-packed segment adds a dynamic shift to the film’s narrative, combining humor, tension, and absurdity as a group of mischievous children wreak havoc.

The Man from Hollywood (directed by Quentin Tarantino): Closing the film, this segment offers a tense and suspenseful climax, centered around a dangerous bet involving a finger and a lighter.

“Four Rooms” is a film that pays homage to various cinematic influences and references, showcasing the filmmakers’ deep understanding of film history. Throughout the segments, keen-eyed viewers can spot nods to classic movies, genres, and directors. This intertextual layer adds an extra dimension to the viewing experience, rewarding cinephiles with a treasure trove of Easter eggs and connections to the broader cinematic landscape.

One of the intriguing aspects of “Four Rooms” is its approach to character development. Despite the limited time allotted to each segment, the filmmakers manage to create characters who undergo transformation, often in unexpected ways. This rapid character evolution speaks to the skill of the directors in conveying complex emotions and arcs within tight time constraints.

The anthology format of “Four Rooms” also enables the exploration of gender and identity dynamics. Each segment introduces characters with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and challenges. These characters navigate issues related to gender roles, power dynamics, and personal identity, adding a layer of social commentary to the film’s narrative.

Revisiting the critical reception of “Four Rooms,” it is interesting to note how opinions about the film have evolved over time. While some critics initially dismissed the film for its unconventional structure, it has garnered attention and praise for its daring experimentation and willingness to challenge cinematic norms. Its legacy has continued to grow as audiences become more open to non-traditional storytelling methods.

In today’s cinematic landscape, where audiences are increasingly seeking fresh and innovative narratives, “Four Rooms” remains relevant. The film’s anthology format and directorial collaborations serve as a blueprint for filmmakers aiming to break away from formulaic storytelling. As streaming platforms offer opportunities for unconventional narratives, “Four Rooms” serves as a source of inspiration for filmmakers looking to experiment with storytelling techniques.

“Four Rooms” offers valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers. The film showcases the importance of collaboration, highlighting how distinct directorial voices can harmoniously contribute to a cohesive whole. It also underscores the significance of taking risks and challenging conventional norms. Aspiring filmmakers can draw inspiration from “Four Rooms” to experiment with narrative structures, themes, and styles, recognizing that innovation often stems from stepping outside of comfort zones.

The success of “Four Rooms” has contributed to the resurgence of interest in anthology films within the cinematic landscape. Anthology films, which present multiple stories within a single framework, have gained popularity in recent years, with filmmakers exploring diverse genres, themes, and tones within a single cinematic experience. “Four Rooms” serves as an early example of the potential of anthology films to captivate audiences and offer a multifaceted storytelling approach.

From an academic standpoint, “Four Rooms” offers rich material for analysis and discussion. Scholars and film theorists can delve into the film’s structure, themes, directorial collaborations, and impact on cinematic storytelling. Additionally, the film can be explored through lenses of genre theory, narrative analysis, and gender studies, among others. Its non-conventional narrative approach and collaborative nature provide ample opportunities for scholarly exploration.

“Four Rooms” has extended its impact beyond the confines of the screen. Cult followings, fan theories, and artistic interpretations have emerged, contributing to a vibrant fan culture around the film. Cosplay, fan art, and discussions in online forums demonstrate the enduring appeal of “Four Rooms” and its ability to inspire creative engagement among its viewers.

Section 16: Diversity in Storytelling: The anthology format of “Four Rooms” contributes to the celebration of storytelling diversity. By allowing multiple directors to present their unique visions within a single film, the movie exemplifies how diverse voices can coexist and enrich a narrative. In a cinematic landscape that continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusivity, “Four Rooms” serves as a reminder of the power of embracing varied perspectives.

As time marches forward, the legacy of “Four Rooms” persists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Filmmakers continue to draw inspiration from its narrative experimentation and audacious storytelling. The film’s influence can be seen in subsequent anthology films, as well as in the broader trend of embracing unconventional narrative structures in both independent and mainstream cinema.

Looking ahead, the legacy of “Four Rooms” opens doors to further possibilities. Filmmakers can take cues from its approach to collaboration, exploring ways to bring together multiple creative voices to craft cohesive and engaging narratives. As technology advances and storytelling platforms diversify, there are opportunities to revisit the anthology format in innovative ways, such as interactive storytelling experiences or immersive virtual reality narratives.

The cyclical nature of cultural appreciation often leads to works being rediscovered and re-evaluated over time. “Four Rooms” is no exception. Just as the film gained a cult following in the years following its release, it’s possible that future audiences will engage with it in new and unexpected ways. Changes in societal perspectives, technological advancements, and shifts in cinematic tastes can all contribute to the re-evaluation of a film’s significance.

“Four Rooms,” while a work of artistic expression, also serves as a mirror to society. Through its vignettes, it captures the complexity of human emotions, desires, and interactions. Its themes of power, desire, identity, and absurdity reflect broader societal concerns and dynamics. As society continues to evolve, films like “Four Rooms” remind us of the importance of storytelling as a means of understanding ourselves and the world around us.

“Four Rooms” is a cinematic experiment that defies conventional storytelling norms, inviting viewers into an unpredictable and visually diverse world. Through its anthology format, unique narrative structure, and directorial collaborations, the film highlights the boundless possibilities of cinema. While its initial reception was mixed, “Four Rooms” has secured its place in film history as a testament to artistic boldness and a catalyst for pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Technical Commentary

Video

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, “Four Rooms” arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. Even though in a few areas the master that was used to produce this release reveals fluctuating softness, I like it quite a lot. Colour balance is very convincing. However, there is room for minor improvements, though I think that a native 4K presentation with an expanded colour gamut will automatically strengthen the primaries and supporting nuances. On my system, some darker nuances were less than convincing, which is not surprising given that the overall dynamic range of the visuals is not optimal in 1080p. 

Audio

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. Dynamic intensity is very good, in some areas even surprisingly good because the film does not have an elaborate soundtrack with a wide range of dynamic contrasts. I did not encounter any encoding issues to report in our review. 

Special Features

• Trailer – presented here is a vintage U.S. trailer from Miramax for Four Rooms. In English, not subtitled. (3 min). 
• Four Directors, Four Friends, Four Rooms – in this archival program, Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino discuss the conception of Four Rooms. Also included is raw footage from the shooting of the film. In English, not subtitled. (22 min). 
• Making of Featurette – presented here is an archival EPK with clips from interviews and raw footage from the production process. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).