In a 1992 interview with The Seattle Times, Tarantino himself stated: "I didn't go out of my way to do a rip-off of The Killing, but I did think of it as my Killing, my take on that kind of heist movie."
Key Similarities and Influences:
- Non-linear Storytelling: Both films employ a non-linear narrative structure, showing the events of the heist and its aftermath out of chronological order. This was a groundbreaking technique for its time, pioneered by Kubrick in The Killing, and later adopted by Tarantino in his debut.
- Focus on the Aftermath: Instead of depicting the heist itself extensively, both films concentrate on the planning stages and the chaotic aftermath, exploring the dynamics and paranoia among the criminals.
- Ensemble Cast and Character Dynamics: Both films feature a group of criminals with distinct personalities and motivations, and the tension arises from their interactions and mistrust.
- Heist Gone Wrong: Both narratives center around a meticulously planned heist that ultimately fails due to unforeseen circumstances and human error.
While Reservoir Dogs has its own unique style, dialogue, and Tarantino flair, the structural and thematic influence of Kubrick's The Killing is widely acknowledged by Tarantino himself and film critics alike.