The Start of Criticism. Let’s Start Positive, Let’s Go Quentin Tarantino

  ok.ok. You will probably say I’m completely biased and a total QT (Quentin Tarantino) “Fanboy”, But he is my inspiration when it comes to being a screenwriter/director. I just got back from seeing Inglorious Basterds at the Lowes Theater in Boston. I am still having a hard time figuring out exactly how I feel about the film. I can’t say I necessarily had high expectations about the film, but I did have different expectations. I expected this film, regardless of the heavy reviews I had read, to be a WWII version of “Kill Bill”. So I suppose, in a sense, I was disappointed in the film. But after closely following the works of Tarantino, I understand that he’s not one to stick to a specific genre. From “Reservoir Dogs” to “Inglorious Basterds”, his work has been extremely versatile. So there’s no way I can say I was disappointed in this film, it just wasn’t what I was planning on it being.

  So let’s work on discussing “Inglorious Basterds” first. Tarantino is certainly experimenting with a new genre. This is in no way like “Pulp Fiction”. Saying that, It is in no way un-brilliant. I know Quentin worked for years on this script and, when it comes to dialogue, it is very obvious. I also know that he rushed to get the entire film done in a few months (so he could get it to Cannes 2009). I did feel, although I must say that this film is a masterpiece, if he had taken his time on this, it would have been, hands down, the best picture of the last 5 years (in anyone’s opinion). I could tell that there was a slight rush to this film, and I do not like that I can see that. On the flip side, regardless of the rushed feeling, The film was beautiful. Being a film major, I noticed some amazing, and glorious techniques when it came to cinematography and art direction. One part I admired most was the scene where Shosanna walks out on the balcony of the theater. This scene continues to pan thought the entire theater lobby and documents all the conversations of the different goups of people. during this time, the camera does not cut until Hans Landa starts talking about Bridget Vos Hammersmark’s foot. I, personally, found this to be incredibly amazing, and inspirational.

  Now to the acting. If you have read reviews of this movie, you will have read over and over again about how wonderful Christopher Waltz was. Well, I’m here to tell you that the reviews don’t lie. Christopher Waltz was, well “Glorious”. It’s rare that I watch a film and become terrified when I see a specific character. Christopher Waltz was genuinely terrifying! As for, the ever popular, Brad Pitt. Although I was initially disgusted that Quentin casted him for the role, I was pretty satisfied and, to be honest, impressed with his acting (for Brad Pitt standanards). When it comes to his performance in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “Inglorious Basterds” was an extreme step up. However, for all you Brad Pitt fans, He is significantly out acted when it comes to the rest of the “no name” cast.

Overall….. “Inglorious Basterds” is a must see for anyone that is a fan of “classic film”. It harvests well constructed film techniques, not to mention it’s superb writing structure. A new age “Pulp Fiction”? NO. A “New Genre”? YES. Some critiques compare this to “Pulp Fiction”, which is very understandable, But it is genious in a completely different context. The hardcore “Pulp Fiction” fan may not necessarily relate to “Inglorious Basterds” as well. When it comes to the oscars, which I pretty much live by when in comes to film (although I probably shouldn’t), This will probably get a BEST PICTURE nod (considering the Academy is honoring 10 films for the best picture category starting 2010). Will it win? That all depends on how the “end of year” films play out. As of now, my consensus is “probably not”. However. I don’t think it will walk away with 0 oscars. I think Christopher Waltz will probably go home with a BEST ACTOR (or  BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR) award. I’m sure Brat Pitt will get a nomination (because of his American celebrity status (and I can’t say I would completely disagree with that nomination)). I think it will certainly get a nod for its CINEMATOGRAPHY and ART DIRECTION. And I can only hope (although I might be wishfully thinking on this one) that Mr. Tarantino will get a nod for BEST DIRECTOR and BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY. I project a win for the CINEMATOGRAPHY and ART DIRECTION for “Inglorious Basterds”. And Christopher Waltz should win over the entire academy with his performance.

When it comes to Quentin Tarantino himself, I still see him as a highly influential film maker. I go to school for film studies, But I look up to Mr. Tarantino because he didn’t even graduate high school. I look at him and realize that you don’t need “formal” training to make a movie (and a really good movie might I add). I respect Quentin so much for what he accomplished with “inglorious Basterds”, even though it was a little rushed. I really do wish he would have spent an extra year on the production, but at the same time I am happy that he didn’t keep me waiting for this film for another year. After viewing this film, I understand that Tarantino’s goal is to explore genres of all types, and styles. If you look at his 6 movies (”Reservoir Dogs”, “Pulp Fiction”, “Jackie Brown” “Kill Bill”, “Death Proof”, “Ingorious Basterds”), they are all completely different in genre, and theme. He is an innovater of film. His work is always violent (that we can plan on), but his new work is always different from the last (no matter what). None of his films are similar to another one of his films, and I think that’s just superb.

  So to sum up this installation, “inglorious Basterds” is worth checking out at least once (certainly more than once if you can do it). Quentin Tarantino is an extremely influential writer and director (whether you like him or not). And he still has the ability to capture an audience (even if his work is slow paced). I kept an eye out for the audience of “Inglorious Basterds” and, even though it was a slow paced, talkie film, not one person left the theater until the film ended (and I saw a lot of people that were clearly not Tarantino educated).