Tangerine? Like the fruit?

Of course I had to dedicate a shrine to the character that put me into a rabid state of unwellness. When I saw the trailer for Bullet Train (2022), I genuinely did not think much of it. Didn't really seem like my kinda film. I barely even recognized ATJ, all mustache-clad in his three piece suit (I swear he's kind of a chameleon). But then a friend asked me to go see it, and so I did.

There was a particular scene in the film (see the camera on this page), and I genuinely believe it altered the chemistry of my brain. I felt my cells rearrange. I left that theater a different woman.

The Twins

For somewhat minor characters, Tangerine and his brother Lemon kinda steal the show. They are certainly a highlight of the film, sharing some of the funniest but also the most emotional scenes.

Their dynamic itself is fun to me. Tangerine is intense, volatile, and hot-headed. He reacts quickly without too much thought first. Lemon contrasts his personality by being much more laid back, a quiet observer. Though not much of their backstory is given in the film, it leaves a lot of room for delusional people (like me) to headcanon, and I honestly kind of enjoy that a bit. Although, I would never ever complain if the two got a spin off of some sort. In fact, I'd probably become the most annoying person on earth.

The Obsession

I enjoy Tangerine being written a little fucked up. A bit of an asshole, but carries himself like a gentleman (he does apologize for cursing in front of a young lady, after all). But when he's too nice too quickly, I kinda get the ick. Let that man be vile!

Tangerine is the character that finally got me writing again, after several years of failing to make myself do so. It might be shameless, filthy, reader-insert. But hey, I have a good time. I can honestly pinpoint the moment I felt my brain shift from "man I like this character" to "oh I have rabies". I heard the song Spiracle by Flower Face and it felt so dark and violently obsessive, something just clicked inside my little brain.

My very, very self indulgent Tangerine playlists. The first (orange cover) consists more of songs that fit or remind me of his character. The second is pure shameless self-indulgence.

MOODBOARD