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"You shoot me in a dream, you'd better wake up and apologize."
They were four perfect strangers assembled to pull off the perfect crime. Their simple robbery explodes into a violent ambush. Realizing in the aftermath that one of them is a rat, no one can be trusted.
Ten years ago, a young filmmaker, just setting out to create his first feature, managed to get his script into the hands of Harvey Keitel. With the actor's support and backing, the film went from a black and white flick starring the director's friends to a full-color, star-studded ensemble piece. The non-linear story and over-the-top violence piqued the interest of the movie-going public, launching the career of Quentin Tarantino.
Despite the film's large following, the only Reservoir Dogs merchandise available until recently were the popular posters. But now, Mezco toys (the company that gave us the Silent Screamers line based on classic silent films) has issued a set of four action figures based on the film. The series is comprised of Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink, Mr. Orange, and Mr. White, and each figure comes with a section of a street-styled base. Lock the four bases together, and you can recreate the film's opening "walk."
While the figures are just four guys in black suits, the detail given to the Dogs is quite impressive--every part of every figure is unique. Though it would have meant cheaper production costs, nothing was reused; they each even have their own style of shoes.
Harvey Keitel took the role of Mr. White, the gangster most given to casual violence. Also the most chummy of the Dogs, White was the first to break the rules and reveal his real name (Lawrence Dimmick). In a deleted scene, we catch glimpses of White's criminal record and hear a recount of his propensity for violence. He asks the fewest questions, does what we feels needs to be done, and even acts as a paternal figure to Mr. Orange. A career criminal, Mr. White knows the score and will stand by his partners, no matter what.
The figure stands about eight inches tall, and features 20 points of articulation, so while the he's is in scale with McFarlane Toys' Movie Maniacs, White has a much wider range of motion. The likeness isn't as accurate as McToys' offerings, having a slightly more cartoony look, but it is still quite obviously Keitel. So now you can re-enact your favorite scenes from The Piano. With pants.
Mr. White comes with a section of the street scene, a small disk base to assist hard to balance poses, removable sunglasses, plus alternate hands that can hold his two pistols (so you can recreate the attack on the police car). As a fun little bonus, he even comes with the Zippo lighter that you saw throughout the film.
These figures are currently retailing for about $15, but I was fortunate enough to get mine for only ten. I do recommend this figure to fans of the movie, but beware: once you've got one of the Dogs, you'll want to get the rest of the pack.
He's half the reason this movie turned out as well as it did, and the action figure does the character justice.
Reservoir Dogs has just celebrated its tenth anniversary by releasing a new two-dvd set, which I've taken the time to review. There are five different covers, one of which features Mr. White.
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