movie review from dusk till dawn

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, from dusk till dawn.

Now streaming on:

"From Dusk Till Dawn" resembles one of those mythological creatures stitched together out of two different species, like a bull with a man's torso. In this case, we get half of a hostage movie, and half of a vampire gore-fest. The transition is instantaneous. For about an hour, we've been following the story of two mad-dog killers and their victims, and then suddenly a stripper in a Mexican bar turns into a vampire, and off we go.

Genre-hopping like that is a specialty of the movie's writer, Quentin Tarantino , whose work sometimes resembles channel surfing. Robert Rodriguez , the director of "From Dusk Till Dawn," can only be said to throw himself into the same spirit heart and soul. This is one of those movies you might like or you might hate, but you won't be able to deny its crazy zeal.

Actually, a lot of people will hate half of the movie and like the other half. Those who loved the invention of Tarantino's dialog in " Pulp Fiction " will like the first half, especially a brilliant pre-title sequence featuring Michael Parks as a Texas Ranger who creates a whole world out of a little dialogue. Those who liked the shoot-outs in Rodriguez's " El Mariachi " and " Desperado " will like the second half, which is non-stop mayhem in a scuzzy bikers' and truckers' strip joint, with lots of vampires, exploding eyeballs, cascading guts, and a weapon made out of a powered wooden stake (I guess you could call it a Pneumatic Vampire Drill).

I liked the first half best. After the title sequence, we get to know the central characters, Seth and Richard Gekko ( George Clooney and Tarantino). They've robbed a bank and left a trail of dead and wounded (all toted up by a TV news reporter's digital carnage readout). Richard has helped Seth break out of prison, and now they're heading for the Mexican border with the bank loot, and Richard, who is a rabid loony, is blasting everyone in sight, including innocent bystanders.

Holed up in a sleazebag motel, they take hostages: a former Baptist minister ( Harvey Keitel ) and his children ( Juliette Lewis and Ernest Liu). The minister has left the church after the death of his wife, leaving an opening for another of Tarantino's passages of theological dialog. Now the minister and his kids are heading south in a mobile home the Gekkos hope to hide in while crossing the border.

The minister is inclined to cooperate with the desperadoes. His son thinks he knows better: "Dad -- I watch the reality shows!" The charm of the dialog in these scenes has a lot of competition from the state-of-the-art mayhem, which leaves blood and brains spattered everywhere. Rodriguez doesn't make it very real, though, wisely handling the death of a harmless bank teller in flashes too quick to be seen, since more detail would sink the macabre mix of violence and humor.

In Mexico, the mobile home wheels up to the Titty Twister, a scroungy strip joint with a bizarre decor (this goes next door to Jack Rabbit Slim's in the Tarantino Mall). The doorman is played by Cheech Marin , who also plays two other roles, popping up to often he doesn't need the vampire plot to qualify as undead. The kidnappers and their victims go inside to await a rendezvous for a money drop, and that's when the vampire plot begins.

All I can really say about the last 30 minutes of the film is, if you liked " Dawn of the Dead " (1979), you'll like this. The plot is forgotten as Rodriguez goes for violence and special effects, including people who morph into hideous creatures in the middle of the barroom brawl. There's also an outbreak of vampirism among the leading characters, in scenes owing something to " Assault on Precinct 13 " and " Night of the Living Dead ."

"From Dusk Till Dawn" is a skillful meat-and-potatoes action extravaganza with some added neat touches. "E.R." George Clooney, making his big screen debut, shows admirable restraint in going along with the craziness without seeming overwhelmed by it. The good things in the movie--especially some of the dialog--are so much better than the rest that you wish Rodriguez and Tarantino had tried to triumph over this material, instead of merely delivering it. It's a pro job, but these guys can do better.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Now playing

Mary & George

Cristina escobar.

Dad & Step-Dad

Carlos aguilar.

The People's Joker

Clint worthington.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Glenn kenny.

Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus

Blood for Dust

Matt zoller seitz, film credits.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Rated R nudity, violence, language

108 minutes

Harvey Keitel as Jacob Fuller

George Clooney as Seth Gecko

Quentin Tarantino as Richard Gecko

Juliette Lewis as Kate Fuller

Fred Williamson as Frost

Salma Hayek as Santanico Pandemonium

Michael Parks as Texas Ranger

Directed and edited by

• Robert Rodriguez
• Graeme Revell

Produced by

• Gianni Nunnari

Photographed by

• Guillermo Navarro

Screenplay by

• Quentin Tarantino

Latest blog posts

Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise Moves to Streaming with Entertaining Knuckles

San Francisco Silent Film Festival Highlights Unearthed Treasures of Film History

Ebertfest Film Festival Over the Years

The 2024 Chicago Palestine Film Festival Highlights

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Challengers Link to Challengers
• Abigail Link to Abigail
• Arcadian Link to Arcadian

New TV Tonight

• The Jinx: Season 2
• Knuckles: Season 1
• THEM: The Scare: Season 2
• Velma: Season 2
• The Big Door Prize: Season 2
• Secrets of the Octopus: Season 1
• Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1
• Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story: Season 1
• We're Here: Season 4

Most Popular TV on RT

• Baby Reindeer: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• The Sympathizer: Season 1
• Ripley: Season 1
• Shōgun: Season 1
• 3 Body Problem: Season 1
• Under the Bridge: Season 1
• Sugar: Season 1
• A Gentleman in Moscow: Season 1
• Parasyte: The Grey: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Under the Bridge Link to Under the Bridge
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

The Best TV Seasons Certified Fresh at 100%

Best TV Shows of 2024: Best New Series to Watch Now

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Weekend Box Office Results: Civil War Earns Second Victory in a Row

Deadpool & Wolverine : Release Date, Trailer, Cast & More

• Trending on RT
• Rebel Moon: Part Two - The Scargiver
• The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
• Play Movie Trivia

From Dusk Till Dawn

Where to watch.

Watch From Dusk Till Dawn with a subscription on Max, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

What to Know

A pulpy crime drama/vampire film hybrid, From Dusk Till Dawn is an uneven but often deliriously enjoyable B-movie.

Audience Reviews

Cast & crew.

Robert Rodriguez

Harvey Keitel

Jacob Fuller

George Clooney

Quentin Tarantino

Richard Gecko

Juliette Lewis

Kate Fuller

Cheech Marin

Border Guard

Movies in Theaters

Movie news & guides, this movie is featured in the following articles., critics reviews.

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

From dusk till dawn, common sense media reviewers.

Vampire horror has strong language, nudity, gory violence.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Helping others, showing bravery. However, the lead

Seth is a violent criminal who is ruthless and sel

The main character is White and male, but a multir

Characters are shot in the head and at point-blank

Reference to oral sex and paying for sex. Graphic

Language used includes "s--t," "f--k," "f---ing,"

The main character is a professional thief who is

Characters drink in a bar, some heavily. Reference

Parents need to know that From Dusk Till Dawn is an action-packed horror with extreme violence, strong language, and topless nudity. The film has become something of a cult classic and stars George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino as brothers Seth and Richard Gecko, who are on the run. After kidnapping a family,…

Positive Messages

Helping others, showing bravery. However, the lead character is ultimately motivated by personal gain at others' expense and these positive traits arise from necessity rather than good nature.

Positive Role Models

Seth is a violent criminal who is ruthless and selfish. He, along with his brother Richard, kidnaps a family. As events unfold, Seth does show them some loyalty and compassion. Richard is a dangerous sex offender who rapes and murders. Some supporting characters are kind and generous.

Diverse Representations

The main character is White and male, but a multiracial family features among the supporting cast. The director is Latino. Female characters and people of color feature in supporting roles. Richard is a problematic character in that he is neurodiverse but also a violent criminal, which plays into dangerous stereotypes.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Characters are shot in the head and at point-blank range, blood spray and death. Character shot and stabbed in hand. Bloody injury shown. Character set on fire and dies. Character kidnapped and held against their will. Someone is raped and murdered. Dead body shown with bloody injury. Character elbowed in the face and knocked unconscious -- played for comic effect. Punches and kicks in violent altercations. Horror violence includes vampire attacks. Biting and blood. Characters melt and explode. Limbs ripped off. Vampires staked through their hearts and shot with arrows. Throat slit with broken bottle -- wound shown. Heart ripped from chest. Decapitation.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Reference to oral sex and paying for sex. Graphic references to female genitalia. Topless dancers in club. Vampires shown without clothes, but no graphic nudity.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Language used includes "s--t," "f--k," "f---ing," "motherf----r," "bastard," "son of a bitch," "d--khead," "goddamn," "t-tty," and "p---y." "Spic" and "Jap" used as racial slurs. Ableist slurs include "retard" and "mongoloid." "Pig" is used to describe a police officer.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

The main character is a professional thief who is motivated by money. Large amounts of money handled from criminal gain.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Characters drink in a bar, some heavily. Reference to getting high on cannabis. Character mixes what appears to be prescription pills with alcohol. Underage drinking.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that From Dusk Till Dawn is an action-packed horror with extreme violence, strong language, and topless nudity. The film has become something of a cult classic and stars George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino as brothers Seth and Richard Gecko, who are on the run. After kidnapping a family, they encounter a group of vampires, which leads to gory and bloody violence. Much of the blood and gore is over the top, but there are also some distressing scenes. Characters are shot, stabbed, bitten, punched, kicked, and set on fire. Limbs are pulled off, throats are slit, and a heart is ripped out. A woman is raped and murdered off-screen. Frequent strong language includes multiple variants of "f--k," ableist slurs such as "retard," as well as racist language. There is also graphic sexual references and frequent topless female nudity Half of the movie is set in a strip club where characters are shown drinking heavily and becoming violent partly as a result. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (2)
• Kids say (2)

Based on 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

After robbing a bank Seth ( George Clooney ) and Richie Gecko ( Quentin Tarantino ) take an unwitting family hostage in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN. But after the brothers force their hostages to help them cross the Mexican border, they encounter a group of vampires.

Is It Any Good?

This Tarantino screenplay is more a joint effort than usual, adapted from a story by Robert Kurtzman and directed by his friend Robert Rodriguez in the first of their collaborations. From Dusk Till Dawn also stars Clooney in one of his earlier movie roles, clearly keen to break with his nice-guy image by being cast against type as a deadpan thief and killer, with Tarantino in tow as his predatory and violent brother.

Despite all the talent involved, it's fair to say that this 1996 film is regarded as a cult favorite rather than a classic. This is because the second half of the movie flips a switch that transforms it from a noir-ish getaway tale into a gonzo vampire flick. In the process it has to make do with less of Tarantino's snappy dialogue and give itself over to a raucous final act in which blood and gore paint the walls. There are no surprises left by the ending, but if you can get on board with a band of Hollywood heavyweights -- including a snake-toting cameo from Salma Hayek -- embracing an unapologetic genre movie, you'll find something to sink your teeth into here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the violence in From Dusk Till Dawn . Did the blood and gore seem over the top? What impact did that have? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?

Did you find the movie scary? How did it compare to other vampire movies you've seen?

Talk about the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? Was it needed to make the story more realistic?

There is a lot of nudity in the film. Did you find it gratuitous? Why, or why not?

How was drinking and drug use depicted in the movie? Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things to look cool? What were the consequences ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : January 19, 1996
• On DVD or streaming : October 3, 2000
• Cast : George Clooney , Quentin Tarantino , Harvey Keitel , Juliette Lewis
• Director : Robert Rodriguez
• Inclusion Information : Latino directors, Female actors
• Studio : Dimension Films
• Genre : Horror
• Topics : Brothers and Sisters , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
• Run time : 108 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : strong violence and gore, language and nudity
• Last updated : October 1, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

From Dusk Till Dawn

The Lost Boys

Cult Classics

Vampire movies, related topics.

• Brothers and Sisters
• Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

25th Anniversary Review – From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

January 17, 2021 by Graeme Robertson

From Dusk Till Dawn , 1996.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez. Starring Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Juliette Lewis, Ernest Liu, Salma Hayek, Michael Parks, Danny Trejo, Tom Savini, and Cheech Marin.

Seth and Richie Gecko, a pair of escaped criminals on the run seek refuge, along with a family of hostages, in a bar on the US/Mexican border. Unbeknownst to the brothers and their prisoners however, the bar is a haven for a horde of vampires.

Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino have carved themselves a unique corner of the cinema landscape. The pair (especially Tarantino) using their love of old school B-movie grindhouse cinema to create affectionate throwbacks that honour a proud past of good old fashioned All American schlock. Released twenty five years ago today is one such work, an unlikely melding of a road trip, crime flick and gore-drenched terror that is also one of my favourite horror films ever; From Dusk Till Dawn.

Many films can best be described as one of two halves. For instance, one might start as a slow-burning character drama, while gradually transforming into scare-fest of loud clanging noises. Some can manage this precarious juggling act while others struggle. However, From Dusk Till Dawn isn’t so much a film of two halves, instead, it feels more like two halves of two completely different films.

For almost the first hour; the film is a road trip in which criminals Seth and Richie Gecko kidnap a family to make a getaway to Mexico to escape the authorities. The tone is very much in the vein of Tarantino’s films, a mixture of violence, profanity and snappy quips as our unlikely companions find themselves forced together. While light on action, this half is a great way to get the ball rolling. The dialogue is sharp and laced with Tarantino’s usual rapid-fire style and liberal use of cursing and the odd pop-culture reference. Violence is depicted in a relatively realistic fashion, particularly in the gruesome aftermath of an off-screen rape and murder that is shown quick, blink and you’ll miss it, flashes. The majority of the scene focusing on George Clooney’s horrified face, an approach that stands out for its restraint. Also, this half seems to suggest that this film takes place in the same world as Tarantino and Rodriguez’s other films, with the character of Sheriff Earl McGraw (played by Michael Parks) later re-appearing in Kill Bill and both parts of Grindhouse . Makes me think that the Gecko’s once did business with the Vega brothers.

When things change though is when we arrive at the Titty Twister, the rowdiest bar in all of Mexico that is, as our heroes find out, run by blood-sucking vampires. Most films would make this change from comedic crime film to blood-soaked horror a slow one, gradually easing the viewer between the genres. Tarantino and Rodriguez, on the other hand, switch genres while distracting us with a sultry dance by the wonderfully named Santanico Pandemonium (performed by Salma Hayek in a short but very memorable appearance). It’s a scene that also seems to have been included, particularly in one notable moment, to satisfy Tarantino’s foot fetish. The man loves his toes.

Once the dance is over though, all hell breaks loose. The film transforming into a relentless, action-packed, green goo soaked splatter fest as our heroes are forced to do battle with the undead. It’s fast-paced gruesome stuff that is loaded with many stand out moments, such as effects guru Tom Savini battling his foes with a phallic-shaped gun or Fred Williamson, during a pause, regaling us with the most gruesome ‘I was in Nam’ story ever. My personal favourite, however, is Harvey Keitel using a shotgun/baseball bat combo to form a make-shift cross, using the combined power of Jesus and 12 gauge to blast the crap out of the fanged beasts. There is a lot to love about From Dusk Till Dawn , and if I could, I would spend the rest of this review detailing all of it. But, just go and watch the damn thing already.

On the acting front, George Clooney dominates the film as Seth Gecko, a ruthless criminal whose voluminous tongue-twisting profanity and short temper are matched only by his almost admirable levels of professionalism. It’s great fun to watch Clooney, who I usually regard as a dapper charming leading man or as a more serious dramatic actor, excelling at playing a real son of a bitch. Yet, even though he’s a bastard, he’s not a fucking bastard, still playing the role with enough charm and charisma that make this otherwise violent thug into a likeable anti-hero. The supporting cast (which also includes Tarantino himself) is also great. Although Cheech Marin steals the limelight with his trio of roles, most notably the gentleman known as Chet Pussy, a colourful individual who, in his hilarious introduction, helpfully informs us about all the plentiful varieties of female nether regions available at his drinking establishment.

If you can’t tell already; I fucking love From Dusk Till Dawn . Perfectly paced, sharply scripted with a wicked sense of humour, drenched in old school sleaze and soaked through with gooey gory green goodness (that’s a lot of alliteration); From Dusk Till Dawn might not be high art, but it is a bloody great time. Check this one out. And be cool. YOU! Be Cool.

Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Graeme Robertson

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Forgotten 90s Thrillers You Have To See

All Upcoming Taylor Sheridan TV Shows in 2024

Lifeforce: A Film Only Cannon Could Have Made

The 1990s in Comic Book Movies

The Must-See Horror Movies From Every Decade

The Best of the Worst: Ranking the Best Razzie Worst Picture “Winners”

80s Comedy Sequels That Ruined the Original Films

The Essential Revisionist Westerns of the 21st Century

The Essential Man vs. AI Movies

An Exploration of Bro Camp: The Best of Campy Guy Movies

• Comic Books
• Video Games
• Toys & Collectibles
• Articles and Opinions
• About Flickering Myth
• Write for Flickering Myth
• Advertise on Flickering Myth
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

From Dusk Till Dawn

It's easy to imagine "From Dusk Till Dawn" as the all-time favorite film of Christian Slater's film-geek character in "True Romance." A deliriously trashy, exuberantly vulgar, lavishly appointed exploitation picture, this weird combo of road-kill movie and martial-arts vampire gorefest is made to order for the stimulation of teenage boys, while more refined types who considered "Pulp Fiction" an art film and are ready to knock writer and co-star Quentin Tarantino , as well as director Robert Rodriguez, down a notch will find the ammo they need here. But the target audience will get its money's worth, translating into some potent, if not particularly sustained, B.O. and a vibrant afterlife in subsequent markets.

By Todd McCarthy

Todd McCarthy

• Remember Me 14 years ago
• Shutter Island 14 years ago
• Green Zone 14 years ago

It’s easy to imagine “From Dusk Till Dawn” as the all-time favorite film of Christian Slater’s film-geek character in “True Romance.” A deliriously trashy, exuberantly vulgar, lavishly appointed exploitation picture, this weird combo of road-kill movie and martial-arts vampire gorefest is made to order for the stimulation of teenage boys, while more refined types who considered “Pulp Fiction” an art film and are ready to knock writer and co-star Quentin Tarantino, as well as director Robert Rodriguez , down a notch will find the ammo they need here. But the target audience will get its money’s worth, translating into some potent, if not particularly sustained, B.O. and a vibrant afterlife in subsequent markets.

Written by Tarantino in 1990, two years before “Reservoir Dogs” made him a major cult figure, “Dusk” is actually two films in one, the longer first section being a brotherly variation on “Natural Born Killers,” the second coming off as a “Night of the Living Dead”-tinged offshoot of John Carpenter’s 1976 low-budget classic, “Assault on Precinct 13”– a fact acknowledged by one character’s T-shirt. With its elaborate special effects, heavy ammunition and fancy cast, this is a great 1970s-style exploitationer, a kick-butt actioner with plenty of laughs.

Popular on Variety

As such, it is thoroughly disreputable, which will be just fine with young genre fans. What demands attention by a wider audience is George Clooney’s instant emergence as a full-fledged movie star. From the first scene, it is clear that the “ER” sensation, who has made numerous forgettable pics in the past, has the looks, authority and action-film savvy to be a new Clark Gable or “Mad Max”-mold Mel Gibson.

What also jumps out from the opening scene is a reminder, as if it were needed, of Tarantino’s indelible touch with dialogue. Michael Parks, as a Texas Ranger, gives an uproarious reading of some corking redneck speeches before getting blown away by the unstable Gecko brothers (Clooney and Tarantino), who are headed for a safe haven in Mexico after a bloody crime spree.

After the more psychotic of the two, Tarantino’s little brother Richard, needlessly murders one hostage, the boys find new ones in Jacob Fuller (Harvey Keitel), a preacher who’s lost his faith after the accidental death of his wife, and his two teenage kids — daughter Kate (Juliette Lewis) and Chinese son Scott (Ernest Liu). Their guns ever drawn, the Geckos commandeer the Fullers’ R.V. for the trip over the border, where they pull up at a joint called the Titty Twister , which qualifies as the raunchiest bar on Earth even before the full nature of its entertainment offerings is revealed.

After some obligatory tough-guy stuff with the resident biker-and-trucker clientele, a sultry snake dance by main attraction Santanico Pandemonium (the ever-stunning Salma Hayek) concludes with her transformation into a hideous monster, and the blood feast is on.

Improvising as best they can, the Geckos and their hostages are joined by the formidable Frost (blaxploitation great Fred Williamson) and Sex Machine (special-effects meister Tom Savini)in battling the resident vampires, although, after they are bitten, the valiant warriors become bloodsucking freaks themselves.

Finally, a la “Precinct 13” and its direct inspiration, Howard Hawks’ “Rio Bravo,” the survivors retreat to a small room from which they prepare their final assault and escape. Entire section pops with all manner of grotesquely imaginative violence that the special makeup effects hands at Kurtzman, Nicotero & Berger EFX Group have tackled with unmitigated glee.

It’s thoroughly juvenile stuff pulled off with lowdown flair and relentless energy by Rodriguez, whose dusty town from “El Mariachi” and “Desperado” could easily be just down the road from the Titty Twister. The technical skill is protean, from Guillermo Navarro’s restless camera and Rodriguez’s dynamic editing to Cecilia Montiel’s outrageous production design, Graciela Mazon’s leathery costumes and Graeme Revell’s souped-up score. But giving the proceedings a welcome center of gravity is Clooney, who is so commanding as an action hero that he often makes one want to forget that his character is a coldblooded murderer. Even those not tuned into Rodriguez and Tarantino’s gross-out trip might want to check this out for Clooney’s star-making breakthrough.

As the weird kid brother, Tarantino isn’t bad, and generates a few laughs with his straight-faced portrait of dementia and lasciviousness. Keitel is a bit miscast as the solemn ex-pastor, Lewis is at her most subdued, and Cheech Marin has a field day in a triple role especially in delivering an outrageously vulgar welcome to customers at his Mexican dive.

• Production: A Dimension Films release from A Band Apart in association with Los Hooligans Prods. Produced by Gianni Nunnari, Meir Teper. Executive producers, Lawrence Bender, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino. Co-producers, Elizabeth Avellan, Paul Hellerman, Robert Kurtzman, John Esposito. Directed by Robert Rodriguez. Screenplay, Quentin Tarantino, story by Robert Kurtzman.
• Crew: Camera (Technicolor), Guillermo Navarro; editor, Rodriguez; music, Graeme Revell; production design, Cecilia Montiel; art direction, Mayne Schuyler Berke; set design, Colin de Rouin; set decoration, Felipe Fernandez del Paso; costume design, Graciela Mazon; sound (Dolby), Mark Ulano; special makeup effects, Kurtzman, Nicotero & Berger EFX Group; visual effects supervisors, Daniel A. Fort, Diana Dru Botsford; assistant director, Douglas Aarniokoski; casting, Johanna Ray, Elaine J. Huzzar. Reviewed at Writers Guild of America Theater, Beverly Hills, Jan. 15, 1996. MPAA Rating: R. Running time: 107 MIN.
• With: Jacob Fuller ... Harvey Keitel Seth Gecko ... George Clooney Richard Gecko ... Quentin Tarantino Kate Fuller ... Juliette Lewis Border Guard/Chet Pussy/Carlos ... Cheech Marin Frost ... Fred Williamson Santanico Pandemonium ... Salma Hayek Old Timer ... Marc Lawrence Texas Ranger Earl McGraw ... Michael Parks Newscaster Kelly Houge ... Kelly Preston Sex Machine ... Tom Savini FBI Agent Stanley Chase ... John Saxon Razor Charlie ... Danny Trejo Scott Fuller ... Ernest Liu Pete Bottoms ... John Hawkes

More From Our Brands

Jon stewart mocks media for covering trump’s courtroom commute, sketch artist interviews, this new 374-foot megayacht has an epic 66-foot hydraulic swimming pool, sporticast 340: knicks, rangers charge into very new york playoffs, be tough on dirt but gentle on your body with the best soaps for sensitive skin, all american gets extra season 6 episodes, eyes a wave of new cast members if renewed (report), verify it's you, please log in.

From Dusk Till Dawn Review

01 Jan 1996

108 minutes

From Dusk Till Dawn

The first script that Quentin Tarantino was paid to write, back in 1990 — for the tidy sum of $1,500 — has been dusted down and spruced up with Desperado director Robert Rodriguez at the helm, a biggish budget and a high profile cast lead by the latest superstar-in-waiting, ER’s George Clooney. Swelled from its obvious B-movie origins to must-see status thanks to Tarantino’s near messiah-like standing (even after Four Rooms) and Rodriguez’s impeccable action movie credentials, and featuring the Quentmeister in his first, proper acting gig, this funky fusion that is two-thirds guns’n’muthafuckas and one-third vampires’n’gore is a real (blood)blast, a rollicking, slam-bang piece of entertainment that goes for the jugular and the funny bone.

Seth and Richie Gecko (Clooney and Tarantino, decked out in Reservoir Dogs garb) are criminal brothers on the lam, heading for Mexico after a prison breakout with a bag full of moolah and the entire Texas law enforcement community on their tail, having left numerous bullet-riddled corpses in their bloody wake. Seth, the older and slightly saner of the two, with a tattoo snaking round his neck and down onto his arm, coerces his sexually deviant sibling into kidnapping faithless minister Jacob (Keitel), his jailbait daughter Kate (Lewis) and adopted son, and using their camper van to get across the Tex-Mex border, pitching up at the aptly named Titty Twister, an open all-night bar with a fine line in hostess action to wait until dawn when Carlos, their south of the border contact, will arrive.

To their (and Carlos’) surprise, the inhabitants of the bar mostly reveal themselves to be of the bloodsucking, undead, long in the tooth variety and are pretty soon chowing down on those mere mortals unlucky enough to be drinking in the bar. Cue mucho bloodletting as Rodriguez mixes John Woo with George Romero, and has a horrific hoot, hacking off limbs, heads and various other body parts with bloody abandon, as the remaining humans and vampires square up to each other in a neat variation on the Mexican standoff, with a rapidly diminishing supply of “weapons” and dawn still some way off.

As you’d probably expect, these are no ordinary caped, pale-faced bloodsuckers, rather deformed, twisted, hideous, full-bodied monsters courtesy of the effects wizards at KNB (the “K” of which, Robert Kurtzman, provided the story and originally paid Tarantino to write the script in return for KNB supplying the ear-slicing effect in Dogs). Clooney, in his first major role since hitting the big time with ER, proves why he’s going to be huge, while, alongside, Tarantino more than holds his own as the lecherous Richie lusting after Lewis. There are cameos from Cheech Marin (thrice), make-up man Tom Savini, and Rodriguez fave Salma Hayek as a stripper with a novel way of pouring whiskey into Tarantino’s gaping mouth. While certainly not for those people of the squeamish variety, if you expect to be entertained you’ll have almost as good a time watching this as they obviously had making it. A real monster mash.

Related Articles

Movies | 05 01 2021

Movies | 10 05 2017

Movies | 13 01 2014

Movies | 07 11 2013

From Dusk Till Dawn (United States, 1996)

It's great fun, but certainly not great art. From Dusk Till Dawn , a special effects blood-and-gore extravaganza from director Robert Rodriguez, follows in the footsteps of such cult classics as Sam Raimi's Evil Dead series, thumbing its nose at conventional film expectations and gleefully embracing the campiness of the B-movie genre. With its palette of hideous monstrosities, decapitations, dismemberments, eviscerations, topless dancers, profane dialogue, and bare foot licking, this motion picture pushes the R-rating to the edge.

Yet the reason From Dusk Till Dawn entertains is because it never takes itself seriously. The film is steeped in wit, parody, and offbeat humor. There aren't any characters here -- only caricatures. The movie has been designed as a burst of high energy, and that's exactly what it turns out to be. From Dusk Till Dawn will appeal to only a small portion of the cinema-visiting population, but for those who enjoy this kind of tongue-and-cheek horror story, the film has a lot to offer.

From Dusk Till Dawn marks the most recent phase in the creative collaboration between Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. (Tarantino appeared in Rodriguez's Desperado and the two were both involved in Four Rooms .) For this film, not only is Tarantino credited with the screenplay, but he has a significant on-screen role. Although a terrible performer, he doesn't actually damage the movie, however, because acting ability has little merit here.

In From Dusk Till Dawn , the setup is as long as the main story. The film opens by introducing us to two bank robbers on the run -- Seth Gecko (George Clooney) and his nutcase brother Richie (Tarantino). They're on their way to Mexico, but they need a cover to get across the border. So, to that end, they hijack the mobile home of ex-preacher Jacob Fuller (Harvey Keitel) and his two kids (Juliette Lewis and Ernest Lieu), and force them, at gunpoint, to help. Once in Mexico, the five stop at an all-night bar for a little R&R. Only one problem: the place is run by vampires, and, after a little topless dancing, it's feeding time.

For the most part, Tarantino's dialogue here pales in comparison to what he wrote for Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction . That said, however, there's still a snappy rhythm to the way the men, women, and undead of From Dusk Till Dawn speak. The script is peppered with deadpan humor, from allusions to Peter Cushing's Hammer Horror battles against Dracula to Harvey Keitel's Bible quotations as he sets about taking out his demonic opponents. There are also numerous references, visual and otherwise, to previous work by Tarantino and Rodriguez. Depending on your opinion of the two men, this can be seen as either clever or self-indulgent. The only one who really attempts any sort of real acting is Keitel. Everyone else is just out there kicking butt, taking their lumps, and occasionally getting bitten in the neck. TV veteran George Clooney, making his feature debut, generates a palpable screen presence. His deadpan delivery of lines like "psychos do not explode when sunlight hits them" is priceless.

At present, there is a Tarantino backlash in progress, but it's unlikely that the growing public dislike of "Mr. Overexposure" is going to damage From Dusk Till Dawn 's box-office prospects, since the target audience won't care about the prevailing opinion of the screenwriter/co-star. What they want, this film offers: a stylish, ultra-hip twist to one of humanity's oldest, darkest legends. Vampires will never live this one down.

Comments Add Comment

• Tremors (1990)
• Dead Don't Die, The (2019)
• Evil Dead II, The (1987)
• Feast (2006)
• Jennifer's Body (2009)
• Signal, The (2008)
• Gravity (2013)
• Out of Sight (1998)
• Syriana (2005)
• Return to Horror High (1987)
• Peacemaker, The (1997)
• Good German, The (2006)
• Taxi Driver (1969)
• Reservoir Dogs (1969)
• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
• National Treasure (2004)
• Be Cool (2005)
• (There are no more better movies of Quentin Tarantino)
• Four Rooms (1995)
• (There are no more worst movies of Quentin Tarantino)

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN

What You Need To Know:

(OO, C, LLL, VVV, SS, NNN, A, D, M) Occultic worldview showcasing the power of vampires with mild christian worldview showing the overcoming power of Christ; 131 obscenities, 8 profanities & extremely graphic talk advertising a strip club; extensive, gory & bloody violence including several point blank shootings, man shot through hand, beatings, punching, kicking, threats with guns, explosions, & extensive violence against vampires including stakes through heart, melting with holy water, ripping hearts out of chests, neck breaking, impaling, burning, dismemberment, decapitation, etc., lingering shots of corpses, & instruments made out of human body parts; no intercourse but extensive scenes in strip club of sexual dancing, sexual suggestiveness, & sexual talk; extensive full female nudity in strip club but no genitalia; alcohol use & abuse; smoking; and, stealing, lying & kidnapping

More Detail:

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN is the anticipated new film by Quintin Tarantino and his prodigy, Robert Rodrigeuz. The movie starts out with brothers, Richard and Seth holding up a liquor store. The two then meet up with Jacob Fuller and his two children. Jacob is taking his children on a cross-country American trip in his RV. The brothers kidnap the family and force them at gunpoint to take them across the Texas-Mexico border. Jacob does this successfully, and all of them arrive at a seedy, out-of-the-way strip club. Shortly after they sit down, almost everyone in the bar turns into a vampire. Human casualties mount up, and a grand-finale gore fest involves a mass killing of vampires through every means possible.

Needless to say, this movie is not for the squeamish. Even Tarantino fans who enjoyed his dialogue in PULP FICTION may be disappointed with this movie. The conversations are lack-luster. Harvey Keitel does well as a fallen minister who turns back to God, but that’s not enough to redeem the movie. It is very violent, very gross, very foul-mouthed, and very tasteless. To be truthful, Tarantino makes the types of movies that at one time, were relegated to dirty gas stations and convenience stores, much like the locations in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

From Dusk Till Dawn

1996, r, 108 min. directed by robert rodriguez. starring harvey keitel, george clooney, quentin tarantino, juliette lewis, cheech marin, fred williamson, salma hayek, tom savini, john saxon, john hawkes, ernest liu, michael parks., reviewed by marc savlov , fri., jan. 19, 1996.

“Whew!” That about sums it up for Rodriguez's new film, but what the hell, I'll expound. Written by and co-starring Hollywood's other young, stylistically hip auteur, Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn harkens back to the wonderful, awful horror movies of days gone by, throws in a criminals-on-the-lam first half, and then not only turns the whole beautiful mess up to 11, but also breaks off the knob and eats it. From Dusk Till Dawn opens with the notorious Gekko Brothers, Seth and Richard (Clooney and Tarantino), on the run from just about every law enforcement agent in Texas after a heist ends with multiple Texas Rangers and peace officers dead or dying. On their way to Mexico to meet with the mysterious “Carlos,” the pair hijack the mobile home of Minister Jacob Fuller (Keitel) and his family in order to insure the criminals' safe passage across the border. Once across, their appointed destination turns out to be the Titty Twister, a riotously cheesy, neon-covered topless bar catering to bikers and truckers who've wandered off the beaten path. Everything seems more or less well and good, with Seth and Richard prepared to wait out the night for the arrival of Carlos (Marin), until all hell erupts (literally) when the bar's staff and patrons turn out to be Mexican vampires intent on a full-tilt exsanguination binge. From here on out it's 110% Rodriguez Action, with some of the most blood-spattered offerings since Dawn of the Dead (speaking of which, longtime George Romero-effects master Tom Savini has a sizable role as a crazed biker named, uh, Sex Machine) and a veritable army of Nosferatus clamoring for gore. Very cool. Rodriguez has come a long way since his short film Austin Stories first took the Chronicle offices by storm in 1989; his trademark rapid-fire editing and dark, almost lunatic wit are in top form here, and his set direction is exhilarating in the purest sense. Keitel is terrific as the preacher with the slipshod faith, Clooney is nicely menacing, and Marin turns in some of his most raunchy, hilarious work to date. Even Tarantino the Actor acquits himself admirably: Younger Gekko Richard is a perverse sex killer whose resultant carnage is glimpsed almost subliminally in a genuinely creepy motel room scene. Fans of Merchant-Ivory will do well to steer clear of Rodriguez's newest opus, but both action and horror film fans have cause for celebration after what seems like a particularly long splatter-drought. This is horror with a wink and a nod to drive-in theatres and sweaty back seats. This is how it's done.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

Support the Chronicle  

Alexa Harrington, Aug. 25, 2015

Richard Whittaker, July 15, 2014

Richard Whittaker, July 23, 2018

Richard Whittaker, Dec. 8, 2017

Richard Whittaker, May 12, 2023

Matthew Monagle, Feb. 15, 2019

Aug. 7, 2022

April 29, 2022

From Dusk Till Dawn , Robert Rodriguez , Harvey Keitel , George Clooney , Quentin Tarantino , Juliette Lewis , Cheech Marin , Fred Williamson , Salma Hayek , Tom Savini , John Saxon , John Hawkes , Ernest Liu , Michael Parks

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

8 Facts About National Oatmeal Cookie Day April 30th

11 Facts About Lei Day May 1st

36 facts about the movie from dusk till dawn.

Written by Kerry Leighton

Modified & Updated: 03 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Welcome to the thrilling world of “From Dusk Till Dawn,” a cult classic movie that blends action, horror, and comedy in an unforgettable cinematic experience. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino, this 1996 film takes audiences on a wild ride as it follows the Titty Twister strip club’s unsuspecting patrons who find themselves facing bloodthirsty vampires.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the exciting world of “From Dusk Till Dawn” and explore 36 fascinating facts about the movie. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to interesting trivia about the cast and crew, get ready to dive into the dark and twisted universe that Tarantino and Rodriguez created. So, grab some garlic, sharpen your stakes, and join us on this incredible journey into the secrets of “From Dusk Till Dawn!

Key Takeaways:

• “From Dusk Till Dawn” is a 1996 action-horror film with a star-studded cast, combining crime, horror, and supernatural elements. It gained a cult following and inspired sequels, a TV series, and a video game.
• The movie features George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, and Salma Hayek, with intense action, memorable quotes, and a unique twist on vampire mythology. It continues to be a beloved and influential cult classic.

From Dusk Till Dawn was released in 1996.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, From Dusk Till Dawn is a thrilling action-horror film that made its debut in 1996.

Quentin Tarantino wrote the screenplay and starred in the movie.

Famed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino not only co-wrote the screenplay for From Dusk Till Dawn but also portrayed one of the main characters, Richard Gecko.

The film combines elements of crime, horror, and supernatural genres.

From Dusk Till Dawn seamlessly blends different genres, combining a gripping crime story with intense horror elements and supernatural elements.

The movie features an all-star cast.

From Dusk Till Dawn boasts a stellar ensemble cast including George Clooney, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, and Salma Hayek, among others.

The film was originally intended to be a small-scale production.

Initially, From Dusk Till Dawn was planned as a low-budget independent film but eventually gained a larger budget due to the involvement of notable actors.

From Dusk Till Dawn was well-received by critics and audiences alike.

The movie garnered positive reviews for its unique blend of genres, memorable performances, and thrilling action sequences.

The film’s iconic line “Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!” gained popularity.

The line uttered by George Clooney’s character, Seth Gecko, became a notable catchphrase associated with the film.

The movie’s plot takes an unexpected twist.

From Dusk Till Dawn starts off as a crime thriller but soon escalates into a supernatural horror story when the characters find themselves battling against bloodthirsty vampires.

The film features a memorable dance performance by Salma Hayek.

Salma Hayek’s sultry dance scene as Santanico Pandemonium is considered one of the most iconic moments in the movie.

The movie’s soundtrack includes popular rock and alternative songs.

From Dusk Till Dawn’s soundtrack includes tracks from bands like ZZ Top, Tito & Tarantula , and Stevie Ray Vaughan, adding to the film’s edgy atmosphere.

From Dusk Till Dawn inspired two direct-to-video sequels.

The success of the film led to the production of two sequels: From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money and From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman’s Daughter.

The movie has become a cult classic over the years.

From Dusk Till Dawn has gained a devoted following and continues to be celebrated as a cult classic among movie enthusiasts.

The film’s production budget was around $18 million.

From Dusk Till Dawn was made on a moderate budget, which allowed for impressive special effects and set designs.

From Dusk Till Dawn was primarily shot in Texas and California.

The movie’s production took place in various locations in Texas, including Austin and Barstow, California, which lent an authentic atmosphere to the film.

The movie’s opening scene was inspired by an actual criminal spree.

The opening sequence of the film, featuring the Gecko brothers on a crime spree, was loosely inspired by real-life criminal Richard “Ricky” Rodriguez.

From Dusk Till Dawn was a collaboration between Rodriguez and Tarantino.

The film marked the first collaboration between Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino , who later went on to work together on other projects.

It took approximately 4 months to shoot the movie.

The production of From Dusk Till Dawn took several months to complete, allowing for meticulous attention to detail in both the script and the visual elements.

The film’s screenplay underwent several changes during production.

Quentin Tarantino’s original script was reworked and refined to better fit the vision of the film’s director, Robert Rodriguez.

Special makeup effects were used to create the vampires’ gruesome transformations.

The movie incorporated impressive makeup effects to bring the terrifying vampire transformations to life, adding an extra layer of horror to the film.

The film’s climax takes place in a strip club.

The final act of From Dusk Till Dawn unfolds in the Titty Twister , a strip club populated by dangerous vampires.

From Dusk Till Dawn blends humor and violence.

The film skillfully juxtaposes dark humor with intense and gory action scenes, creating a unique and memorable viewing experience.

George Clooney’s role in the film helped boost his career.

From Dusk Till Dawn marked a turning point in George Clooney’s career, establishing him as a leading man in Hollywood.

The film’s original title was “The Blood Bank.”

Before settling on From Dusk Till Dawn, the movie was initially titled “The Blood Bank,” which alludes to the pivotal scenes taking place in the Titty Twister.

A television series adaptation of From Dusk Till Dawn was produced.

In 2014, a TV series adaptation of the film was created, expanding on the storylines and characters established in the original movie.

The film’s success led to various merchandise and spin-offs.

From Dusk Till Dawn spawned action figures, posters, soundtracks, and other merchandise, solidifying its pop culture status.

The movie’s plot revolves around a dangerous heist gone wrong.

From Dusk Till Dawn follows the Gecko brothers, who rob a bank and find themselves on the run, eventually seeking refuge in a vampire-infested strip club.

The film’s runtime is approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes.

From Dusk Till Dawn delivers an action-packed and thrilling experience within its relatively compact runtime.

The movie features intense and visually stunning action sequences.

From Dusk Till Dawn is known for its well-choreographed and adrenaline-pumping action scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The film explores themes of survival, redemption, and sibling dynamics.

Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, From Dusk Till Dawn delves into deeper themes, adding depth to the characters and their motivations.

Antonio Banderas was considered for a role in the film.

Antonio Banderas was initially considered for a role in From Dusk Till Dawn but ultimately did not join the cast.

The film’s release was accompanied by a marketing campaign featuring its iconic imagery.

From Dusk Till Dawn’s promotional materials showcased the striking visuals and characters that became synonymous with the film.

The film explores the concept of vampire mythology in a unique way.

From Dusk Till Dawn puts a fresh spin on vampire lore, presenting a different approach to the traditional vampire narrative.

Quentin Tarantino’s character, Richard Gecko, is known for his eccentric behavior and unpredictable nature.

Tarantino’s portrayal of Richard Gecko adds a layer of intrigue to the film, with his character exhibiting peculiar quirks throughout the story.

From Dusk Till Dawn was heavily influenced by B-movies and exploitation films.

The movie pays homage to the B-movie and exploitation genres, incorporating elements and themes commonly found in those types of films.

The film’s success led to a video game adaptation.

A video game based on From Dusk Till Dawn was released in 2001, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of the film.

From Dusk Till Dawn continues to have a significant impact on pop culture.

Even years after its release, From Dusk Till Dawn remains a beloved and influential film, inspiring other works and leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, From Dusk Till Dawn is a cult favorite movie that combines elements of action, horror, and comedy to create a unique and thrilling cinematic experience. With its memorable characters, intriguing plot twist, and unforgettable vampire-filled finale, the film continues to captivate audiences even decades after its release. From Dusk Till Dawn showcases the brilliance of director Robert Rodriguez and the dynamic performances of its talented cast, including George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, and Salma Hayek . Whether you’re a fan of vampire movies, action-packed thrillers, or simply enjoy a good dose of Tarantino-style storytelling, From Dusk Till Dawn is a must-watch film that will leave you entertained and wanting more.

1. What is the genre of From Dusk Till Dawn?

From Dusk Till Dawn is a genre-bending movie that combines elements of action, horror, and comedy.

2. Who directed From Dusk Till Dawn?

The movie was directed by Robert Rodriguez.

3. Who are the main cast members of From Dusk Till Dawn?

The film stars George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, and Salma Hayek in prominent roles.

4. When was From Dusk Till Dawn released?

The movie was released in 1996.

5. Is From Dusk Till Dawn a cult favorite?

Yes , From Dusk Till Dawn has gained a cult following over the years for its unique blend of genres and its memorable characters.

6. What is the plot of From Dusk Till Dawn?

The movie tells the story of two brothers on the run who seek refuge at a remote strip club, only to discover that the establishment is infested with vampires.

7. Is From Dusk Till Dawn a violent movie?

Yes, From Dusk Till Dawn features intense action sequences and graphic violence.

8. Why should I watch From Dusk Till Dawn?

From Dusk Till Dawn offers a unique and thrilling cinematic experience, blending genres, and delivering unexpected twists and turns.

9. Is From Dusk Till Dawn suitable for all audiences?

No, the movie contains mature content and is recommended for adult viewers.

10. Does From Dusk Till Dawn have any sequels or spin-offs?

Yes, From Dusk Till Dawn has spawned a television series and several direct-to-video sequels.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact:

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

‘pulp fiction’ cast reunites and reminisces on film’s 30th anniversary: “it changed cinema”.

John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and Harvey Keitel reunited at the TCM Classic Film Festival on Thursday night to toast their 1994 hit.

By Alex Cramer

Alex Cramer

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Email
• Show additional share options
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Pinit
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Print
• Share this article on Comment

The TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off Thursday with a 30th anniversary screening of Pulp Fiction at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Original castmembers John Travolta , Samuel L. Jackson , Uma Thurman and Harvey Keitel reunited to celebrate the film, along with support from Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma, and daughter Tallulah. After making waves this week with news that he was changing course on his final film, writer and director Quentin Tarantino was absent from the event. 

Related Stories

Director john ford is focus of next tcm 'plot thickens' podcast, barbra streisand sings closing credits song for 'the tattooist of auschwitz'.

“He was so adorable. He had the fantasy of wanting to play the games that were associated with the films I was in — like the Saturday Night Fever game, there is a game, the Welcome Back Kotter game,” the star remembered. “He said, ‘If we play, just once in a while, just throw out a line that you would say, but don’t tell me when you’re going to do it.’”

He added that they went for Thai food later that night, and Tarantino told him about the stories for both Pulp Fiction and 1996 vampire horror film From Dusk Till Dawn to gauge his interest in both scripts.  

“He presented this film to me called From Dusk Till Dawn and Pulp Fiction , so he said, ‘By the way, I spoke to you about those two movies; what did you think about From Dusk Till Dawn ?’ I said, ‘Quentin, I’m not a vampire person, I’m not a blood guy. It’s not for me,’” Travolta told the audience. “So I go, and a week later, he offered me the role of Vincent [in Pulp Fiction ]. And I said, ‘Why, what did you see in me that I could play this role?’ He said, ‘You have a philosophical viewpoint that I need for that character. I want you to be thoughtful about whatever he’s going through, and that’s it.’” 

Pulp Fiction was a career-changing film for most of the cast, but perhaps no one more so than Jackson, who went from struggling supporting actor to international star. He described to The Hollywood Reporter his first experience reading the script that would change his life. 

Speaking on the panel, Thurman added that the film’s real importance wasn’t how it changed their careers but how it changed Hollywood as a whole. She noted, “It changed cinema, so it’s almost hard to have it sink in. I feel like I’ve had an evolving and beautiful and growing relationship with Pulp Fiction throughout my life. It changed cinema, and it changed every filmmaker that I’ve ever met.” 

One recurring thought shared by all the castmembers is the fun they had shooting and working together. Eric Stoltz, who portrayed heroin dealer Lance, shared his favorite memory from working on the film.

“I went to the wrap party, and I was standing there with a bunch of people. I looked up, and John Travolta was dancing right next to Chris Walken, and I thought, ‘Those are two of the best dancers I’ve ever seen on the dance floor,’” Stoltz told THR . “They didn’t care who was watching. They were just having a great time.”

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Karlovy vary festival piles on angsty adaptations with franz kafka retrospective, jerry seinfeld says “disorientation replaced the movie business” and talks directorial film debut, anne hathaway recalls being asked to “make out” with 10 different men for chemistry test, eiza gonzalez talks ‘ministry of ungentlemanly warfare,’ ‘3 body problem’ season 2 and her real-life ‘ambulance’ sequel, david mamet calls hollywood’s diversity efforts “fascist totalitarianism”, ‘severance’ actor tramell tillman joins next ‘mission: impossible’ (exclusive).

We didn't find any showtimes. Try picking another date or location.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Favorite theaters, movies near you ( 50 ), recently viewed.