Quentin Tarantino Calls This Classic Horror-Comedy “A perfect film”

Quentin Tarantino & Miss Piggy
Quentin Tarantino & Miss Piggy, 2005, photo: David Gray / © ABC / Courtesy Everett Collection

During the press tour for his book, Cinema Speculation, Quentin Tarantino made a stop at Jimmy Kimmel Live. Throughout the course of his conversation with the late-night host, the auteur director took the occasion to speak to perfect films. Amongst the selections were celebrated efforts like Back to the Future and Annie Hall. But what stood out most to us was his mention of the Mel Brooks classic, Young Frankenstein.

Tarantino framed his selections by summing up what makes a perfect film, saying:

“And look, when you say perfect movies you’re talking about any individual person’s aesthetic but even trying to account for all aesthetics… perfect movies kind of crosses all aesthetics to one degree or another. It might not be your cup of tea but there’s nothing you can say to bring it down.”

As he listed off films that fit that bill, Tarantino listed Young Frankenstein, going on to say, “Some people could say Young Frankenstein, which I can understand.”

Also Read: Quentin Tarantino is “A big fan” of this Lost Horror Classic

I would have to agree that Young Frankenstein is top-tier cinema. The picture is absolutely hilarious and may very well be the best film from a director responsible for numerous celebrated comedic efforts.

The setup is as follows:

Respected medical lecturer Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) learns that he has inherited his infamous grandfather’s estate in Transylvania. Arriving at the castle, Dr. Frankenstein soon begins to recreate his grandfather’s experiments with the help of servants Igor (Marty Feldman), Inga (Teri Garr), and the fearsome Frau Blücher (Cloris Leachman). After he creates his own monster (Peter Boyle), new complications ensue with the arrival of the doctor’s fiancée, Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn).

Stay tuned to the site for more recommendations from the cinematic masters as we discover them. And be sure to follow us on Twitter so you never miss an update.

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