An up-front warning: "Reservoir Dogs" earns its R rating for extremely graphic violence, with one scene in particular that is stomach-churning and extremely chilling. In fact, the rating here may be too soft.

Having said that, however, it must be added that the film marks the arrival of a writer-director — Quentin Tarantino — who demonstrates a remarkable command of cinematic language in his first film.

Maybe that's one of the reasons this movie is so disturbing. It's a very well-made exploration of violence, mayhem and paranoia, focusing on men who perpetuate crime for selfish motives. But it's so rough that it's hard to sit through. "Reservoir Dogs" makes something like "GoodFellas" seem like family fare.

The opening scene is an immediate hook, a power breakfast in a diner, with a band of thugs in dark jackets and ties, looking for all the world like Secret Service agents. The discussion is illuminating and hilarious as it focuses on the changing world through trivia — such as the real meaning of Madonna's song lyrics.

The characters refer to each other as colors instead of by name. The story has Mr. Orange (Tim Roth) trying to join the gang, with the stolid Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), the nervous Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), the looney sadist Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), etc.

Most of the film, however, takes place in an abandoned warehouse after a foiled robbery, where one of the gang is taken after being seriously wounded and the others soon collect. Flashbacks unravel the tale of deceit and double and triple crosses, how the robbery went wrong and gradually revealing who among their number is a traitor.

Then there is the cop who becomes a hostage, and who will be tortured and mutilated by loose cannon Mr. Blonde. This is the scene that will send the squeamish running for the exit.

The obvious comparison here is a cross between early Stanley Kubrick ("The Killing") and Sam Peckinpah ("The Wild Bunch"), except that in this case the violence is so brutalizing that the audience may feel more pummeled than entertained.

"Reservoir Dogs" is a compelling argument for restraint, as it will likely alienate as many audience members as it entertains. Tarentino has the craft down but lacks the depth and moral wisdom to avoid merely gleeful bloodletting.

The film does boast a great soundtrack with some terrific songs, along with amusing running commentary by an unseen disc jockey, voiced by Steven Wright.

It's rated R for violence, gore, profanity and vulgarity.