Former video store clerk Quentin Tarantinos directorial debut RESERVOIR DOGS is a brutally funny supercharged introduction to his supremely distinct cinematic vision which was later to become one of the most mimicked styles of the 1990s. Mastermind Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) assembles a crew of top-notch criminals to pull off a jewelry store heist. As the film opens it becomes immediately clear that the plan backfired forcing the survivors who have gathered at an abandoned warehouse to figure out if one of them is in fact a police informer. The crew Mr. White (Harvey Keitel) an aged veteran Mr. Orange (Tim Roth) a wounded newcomer Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) a psychopathic parolee Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi) a bickering weasel and Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn) Joes son begin to unravel as the pressure becomes too much for them to handle. When Joe arrives the truth becomes clear in a vicious Mexican standoff.Tarantino takes liberally from Hong Kong action flicks most notably Ringo Lams CITY ON FIRE but his ultra-hip 70s soundtrack and hysterical pop culture dialogue make the film seem wholly original and new. Taking a cue from the French New Wave most notably Jean-Luc Godard RESERVOIR DOGS remains one of the decades most influential motion pictures.