Quentin Tarantino Raves About Unforgettable Ending in 20-Year-Old Disney Comedy

Summary

Quentin Tarantino loved the ending of Freaky Friday, praising the Battle of the Bands sequence as a "genius scene and a perfect ending."

Tarantino approached director Mark Waters at a party to express his admiration for the Battle of the Bands sequence. The reason behind Tarantino's appreciation could be attributed to the sequence's utilization of music as a storytelling tool, a technique frequently employed in his own movies.

Mark Waters, the director of Freaky Friday, recently revealed that renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was a huge fan of the film's ending. The 2003 comedy, which starred Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, portrayed the hilarious story of a mother and daughter who unexpectedly switch bodies. This adaptation of Mary Rodgers' 1972 novel had a humorous "fish-out-of-water" theme throughout, leading up to a climactic scene in which the mother, now in her daughter's body, must pretend to play the guitar in a Battle of the Bands competition. This pivotal moment helps her understand the significance of music in her daughter's life.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Freaky Friday, The Hollywood Reporter recently published an oral history of the film. Mark Waters participated in the article and shared an interesting anecdote about Quentin Tarantino approaching him at a party. Tarantino expressed his admiration for the Battle of the Bands sequence, in which Lohan's character's band performs the song "Take Me Away" at the House of Blues. Waters recalled Tarantino breaking down the scene "shot by shot," praising it as a "genius scene and a perfect ending."

I love the House of Blues sequence for its significance in my mind, as it built up to the Battle of the Bands, a pitch I presented. With numerous individuals and various components involved, witnessing it all come together was truly remarkable. On one occasion, I found myself in a corner at a party, engaged in a conversation with Quentin Tarantino. He passionately described, in intricate detail, each shot of the House of Blues sequence, emphasizing its brilliance and suitability as the movie's perfect conclusion. I was genuinely thrilled to have Quentin Tarantino, a renowned director, express his admiration for my work.

Why Freaky Friday's Ending May Have Appealed So Much To Tarantino

There are multiple reasons why Tarantino may have been deeply fascinated by the conclusion of Freaky Friday. However, one of the strongest possibilities is the incorporation of music to narrate the sequence. Music, whether through carefully selected songs in the soundtrack or elements of the musical composition, has played a significant role in Tarantino's filmmaking since the outset.

Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs (1992) showcases his use of music to enhance scenes, such as the threatening performance of "Stuck in the Middle with You" during a torture scene. Music is a crucial element in Tarantino's films, transforming them into celebratory collages of cinema and art. This is particularly evident in Kill Bill, where he incorporates Bernard Hermann's theme from Twisted Nerve, establishing a recurring motif that he later reuses in Death Proof.

Through his involvement with music, Tarantino understands the importance of a fitting soundtrack in storytelling onscreen. Freaky Friday may have struck a chord with him, among other aspects of filmmaking that seamlessly contribute to a satisfying conclusion. This admiration for the Disney comedy further demonstrates Tarantino's broad taste and deep appreciation for all forms of cinema.

Source: THR