Death Proof

Grindhouse, the double-feature shlockfest by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez was split into two seperate films when it was released overseas. Both are quite fun, but many would agree that Death Proof — which follows the exploits of Stuntman Mike as he attempts to lure unsuspecting women for a ride in his “death proof” car — was the more nuanced film. As with all Tarantino films, Death Proof is filled with references to other influential films including some wonderful muscle cars like a 1970 Dodge Challenger (see Vanishing Point), a 1971 Chevrolet Nova (with license plate “JJZ 109” from Steve McQueen’s Bullitt, and the rubber duck hood ornament from Peckinpah’s Convoy), a 1969 Dodge Charger (same vehicle and license plate “938 DAN” from Peter Fonda’s Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry and of course the Duke’s of Hazzard’s General Lee) and a 1972 Mustang (likely an homage to the 1973 Mustang Mach 1 named “Elenore” from the original Gone in Sixty Seconds — it also has a “BRAND X” license plate referencing the obscure 1969 counter culture sketch film from pop artist Wynn Chamberlain). Clearly there is more than meets the eye in this rich film! This Japanese B1 was autographed by Quentin Tarantino while promoting the films release in Tokyo.