Reservoir Dogs Question (spoiler)

[Oblong]

This movie was on the other night and after watching it again it occurred to me to ask a question.

When Mr. Blonde is about to torch the cop he pours gasoline over him and leads a trail to himself at the far end of the wharehouse. He lights his zippo, then Mr. Orange shoots him. Why didn't the lighter still light the gas and torch the place? Isn't it risky of Mr. Orange to wait so long to shoot him? I thought Zippo's were supposed to stay lit. Right after he gets shot, it goes out.

[astro]

Gas is not always that easy to light. Sometimes you have to hold the lighter right to the wet gas before the fumes ignite, especially on concrete.

[ReservoirDog]

Mr. Tarantino, along with a few others in his fan club, seems to be of the opinion that being shot by bullets is akin to being whacked with a giant board : that you go flying backward in the air.

I seem to recall that Mr. Blonde was thrown back, arms flailing, and he landed in front of the warehouse door. The Zippo likely landed safely several feet away from any of the gasoline.

But, hey, I'm no expert.

[Arnold Winkelried]

Originally posted by Oblong
Why didn't the lighter still light the gas and torch the place?

Because the script said "Lighter goes out and fails to ignite gasoline." Always look to the script for the definitive answer.