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Note: This article was written during the 2023 WGA and SGA-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, True Romance, being covered here, wouldn’t exist.
When asked what my favorite romance film is I always gleefully respond, True Romance (1993). Before the grumbling begins, understand this movie involves marriage, drugs, pimps, murder, and the mob. It isn’t your average romance film! There is a reason this movie has developed a huge cult following and is one of the most widely quoted films over the last 30 years.
True Romance was released on September 10, 1993. It was directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary. This masterpiece has a star-studded line up that includes Brad Pitt, Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer, James Gandolfini, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Rapaport, Chris Penn, and Bronson Pinchot.
Let’s revisit this cult classic!
True Romance Synopsis
Clarence (Christian Slater) was living a lonely existence working in a comic book store. Then one birthday at a Sonny Chiba triple bill he meets Alabama (Patricia Arquette). Within 24 hours their lives drastically change. The two find themselves on a dangerous adventure that includes marriage, murder, pimps, drugs, and the mob.
Have a look at the trailer!
When talking about True Romance it is essential to discuss the phenomenal performance that is delivered by the man, the myth, the legend that is Gary Oldman. His performance as the drug-dealing pimp, Drexyl, is astounding. Gary Oldman even impressed himself with his performance. He has been quoted in interviews saying that playing Drexyl is one of his favorite performances. Oh Drexyl, we know you are pretty!
Then there is the brutal fight scene between Patricia Arquette and James Gandolfini in True Romance. It is one of my all-time favorite fight scenes in a movie. These actors’ performances in this intensely violent scene are glorious!
No retro review would be complete without mentioning some movie trivia!
- Patricia Arquette was gifted the purple Cadillac from the film by the director, Tony Scott.
- Brad Pitt improvised his lines in True Romance! I wonder if the honey bear was his idea? LOL
- Dennis Hopper’s infamous speech was inspired by a real conversation Quentin Tarantino heard.
You can revisit True Romance in celebration of the 30th Anniversary on multiple streaming platforms!
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