True Romance (1993)

Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, this is a mini-masterpiece that defies genre categorisation. 

Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette) meet and experience love at first sight. But in attempting to flee the dangerous underworld contacts Alabama was mixed up with, they inherit a suitcase of cocaine and become associated with lethal gangsters (intimidatingly played by Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken and James Gandolfini).

The film cleverly works as both a sort of fairytale (the “true romance” of the title) and also as an absolutely brutal crime thriller. This uneasy combination gives it a fresh energy. Tarantino's usual preoccupations are evident, with martial arts, comic books, and Elvis Presley all figuring notably in the plot.

Slater is excellent – like a young Jack Nicholson, in terms of his charisma. Arquette is also superb, and the chemistry between the pair is unmistakable.

Perhaps most striking of all is Hans Zimmer’s beautiful soundtrack.

The Mexican (2001)

Foolish amateur gangster Jerry (Brad Pitt) has to perform “one last job”, which involves transporting a legendary gun from Mexico back to the USA. Predictably, nothing goes to plan. Events are further complicated when his girlfriend (Julia Roberts) is kidnapped by another gangster (James Gandolfini) and the pair develop a strange friendship. 

This is a comedy thriller with an unusual tone. It flits between tense moments and genuinely funny ones – a tricky balancing act that director Gore Verbinski pulls off with skill. 

Brad Pitt is better than usual because he’s playing an idiot and therefore doesn’t need to seem credible. Roberts is terrific – vividly full of life and personality – and her evolving relationship with Gandolfini provides the heart of the film. 

Gene Hackman has a cameo. Plus, there’s a nice sub-plot about a ferocious dog.