Tarantino the writer eludes definition as easily as Tarantino the director. Memoir, Hollywood history, film theory, audience journal, pulp non-fiction, or recorded stand-up comedy—all of this constitutes "Cinematic Speculation." Tarantino dedicated his first nonfiction book to the films of his youth that defined his tastes and intuitions: from "Dirty Harry" and "Rocky" to "Escape from Alcatraz." The author cleans up the directorial kitchens of his predecessors, constantly asking: what would cinematic history have looked like if things had happened differently? This is a book full of sincere love and passion from a director whose vast knowledge, professional experience, and Hollywood connections allow him to be convincing even in the most fantastical and speculative constructs. Can you imagine how Brian De Palma would have made "Taxi Driver"? Quentin will tell you.