Film Matters: Please tell us about your article that is being published in Film Matters.
Samantha Van Zandt: “The Triumph of Trauma: Tarantino Style” illuminates Tarantino’s genius and artistic ability to demonstrate the journey of overcoming debilitating trauma. He provides us with that thirst for vengeance that we have all, at some point, experienced: satisfying a deep desire to avenge our former selves. Through thematical symbolism, Tarantino explains the evolution of one’s identity as they loudly test themselves on the battlefield of overwhelming trauma. In my article on the Kill Bill series, I pick apart the identity of each character by their code name, their behavior, and their connection with deep trauma.
FM: What research and/or methodologies do you incorporate in your article?
SVZ: Aside from studying scholarly perceptions of Kill Bill, I researched snakes. A lot. I mean, I spent hours reading about the behavior of the snakes mentioned in the film. I know so much about snakes, now.
FM: Describe the original context for/when writing this article while an undergraduate student.
SVZ: For a writing class, I was assigned to evaluate a piece of art. Tarantino being my favorite artist, and the Kill Bill films being my favorite pieces of thematic art, I chose to dig into these films. I absolutely loved my research. I watched the films over and over again. After submitting the essay, I chose to expand my work and submit it because, well, who doesn’t love a good Easter egg?
FM: How has your department and/or institution supported your work in film and media?
SVZ: Dr. Harley, the professor that assigned me to write the original piece, urged me to submit the work for publication to Film Matters. He was a huge help during the editing and revising processes. Dr. Hartley walked me through the whole process.
FM: How has your faculty mentor fostered your advancement as a film scholar?
SVZ: Dr. Hartley fostered my advancement as a writer by pushing me to broaden my writing style and focus. He enlightened me on the absolute joy that can be had by writing as a film scholar.
FM: How has the Film Matters editorial and publication process impacted the development/evolution of your article?
SVZ: The peer review process was educational. They offered a wide array of expertise and ultimately shaped the article into what it is now. And picked at my grammar, thankfully.
FM: What audience do you hope to reach with your Film Matters article and/or what impact do you hope it has on the field of film studies?
SVZ: I just hope that my readers have fun engulfing themselves into Tarantino’s deep artistic meaning behind the qualities of the Kill Bill series.
FM: What are your future plans?
SVZ: I intend to graduate with my bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, then further my studies at an accredited law school. As an individual who suffers from various mental illnesses, including PTSD, I have chosen to dedicate a huge portion of my life battling the stigma of mental illness. I hope to practice law in therapeutic courts for the mentally ill.
Author Biography
Samantha Van Zandt grew up north of Pittsburgh in Erie, Pennsylvania. She traveled to Alaska four years ago and settled in to study Legal Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys skiing, writing, and delving deep into cult classics.
