Quentin Tarantino’s Alleged Foot Obsession, Explained

Yes, feet show up constantly in Quentin Tarantino movies. After “Reservoir Dogs,” the director made an even bigger splash with “Pulp Fiction,” his non-linear Oscar nominee that follows hitmen Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnifield (Samuel L. Jackson) around as they end up in various weird, gross, and gory situations. Uma Thurman’s character, Mia Wallace, spends most of her time on-screen completely barefoot. In “Jackie Brown,” Jane Fonda’s character Melanie Ralston wears jewelry on her feet, drawing the camera there. In both “Kill Bill” films, Thurman reappears as The Bride (also known as Beatrix Kiddo), a former assassin who emerges from a coma and decimates everyone who wronged her. For a trained assassin, she spends a weird amount of time shoeless.

“Inglourious Basterds” features a close-up of a perverse Cinderella moment where actress Bridget Von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger) reveals her status as a double agent to Nazi Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) by trying on a shoe. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” lets most of its female characters, from Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) to young hippie “Pussycat” (Margaret Qualley), shed their shoes whenever they please. This is, by no means, an exhaustive list of all the times bare female feet are put on display in Tarantino movies. So what do the director’s stars have to say about this?

Starring in a Quentin Tarantino film often means showcasing your feet. This recurrent theme has not gone unnoticed by both the audience and the stars themselves. Uma Thurman, who has worked with Tarantino multiple times, including in the critically acclaimed “Kill Bill” series, famously spends extensive screen time barefoot. Similarly, in “Pulp Fiction,” her character, Mia Wallace, is mostly shoeless, adding to the film’s memorable and often surreal scenes.

In “Jackie Brown,” Jane Fonda’s character, Melanie Ralston, doesn’t just walk barefoot; she wears jewelry that draws further attention to her feet. This particular choice underscores Tarantino’s fascination with feet, a theme that many have speculated about over the years.

The infamous scene in “Inglourious Basterds,” where Diane Kruger’s character Bridget Von Hammersmark tries on a shoe, only to reveal her double-agent status to the sadistic Nazi, Hans Landa, played by Christoph Waltz, is yet another example. The tension in that scene is palpable, and the focus on the shoe amplifies the suspense.

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” also allows its female characters to ditch their footwear. Sharon Tate, played by Margot Robbie, and the young hippie “Pussycat,” played by Margaret Qualley, spend considerable screen time barefoot. This creative choice adds to the authenticity of the film’s period setting and the characters’ freewheeling lifestyles.

This recurring motif of bare feet in Tarantino films has led fans and critics alike to ponder its deeper meaning. Some believe it may be a stylistic quirk, while others see it as an extension of his desire to bring a unique and personal touch to his movies. Regardless of the reason, the focus on feet has undoubtedly become one of his signature trademarks.

Tarantino’s penchant for showcasing feet, particularly female feet, has sparked various interpretations and analyses. Some see it as a fetishistic tendency, while others view it as a tool to heighten realism or intimacy. Whatever the reasoning, it is undeniable that these moments create memorable and often provocative scenes.

When asked about the recurring theme, some actors have taken it in stride, considering it just another part of working with a visionary director. Others have openly discussed how it adds to the depth and nuance of their characters. For instance, being barefoot could signify vulnerability, power, or freedom, depending on the context of the scene.

In essence, Tarantino’s films are layered with meaning, and his recurring use of bare feet is a testament to his attention to detail. It is these small but significant elements that help create the unforgettable atmosphere of his films. Whether deliberate or subconscious, the focus on feet remains an intriguing aspect of his creative process.

For a director whose works are often noted for their dialogue, violence, and dark humor, it’s fascinating to delve into how something as simple as bare feet can add layers of meaning and artistic flair to his storytelling. Tarantino continues to captivate and occasionally bewilder his audience, ensuring that discussions about his unique style, including his focus on feet, will persist for years to come.