Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds (2009) 8/10
Inglourious Basterds marks a return to form for Quentin Tarantino after the lacklustre Death Proof. It is one of the more accessible Tarantino films and Basterds contains many of Tarantino’s favourite themes and stylistic influences. It should come as no surprise that Basterds is a loquacious film. Those who watched Basterds because of its marketing might well be under the impression that it was a WW2 action film, seeing how Brad Pitt is used prominently in its promotion. In truth, Brad Pitt doesn’t really have that much screen time, and there are few action sequences. Instead, in true Tarantino fashion, the film is one long talkfest chock full of black humor, obscure references and non sequiturs. In other words, its bloody brilliant.
The film is full of Tarantino’s little stylistic flourishes, from its excellent soundtrack, the use of chapters to bookend each segment and its generous use of gore. It is almost amazing how, at the end of the film, you realise that you have spent the better part of two hours watching characters just chatting. Granted, the dialogue sometimes feels meandering and lacking in focus, but when it is good, it is golden. At its best, the dialogue zings and sizzles and Tarantino expertly manages to craft tension from the most mundane of conversations.
The ensemble cast is excellent, none more so than Christoph Waltz, one of the most menacing SS officers ever put on screen. He completely steals the scene in two major sequences, the first being the excellent opening scene of the film and the second being a chance meeting with Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent).
At every turn, Tarantino surprises and even thrills the audience. Even the boldly ahistorical ending will likely polarize audiences. This is a film in which i honestly could not have predicted how the scene would have played out. It is a testament to Tarantino’s craft that Basterds, which is closest in form to Pulp Fiction, is an enjoyable, sometimes over the top film that appeals the film lover rather than to studio expectations of more skin and more explosions. One final praise needs to be given to the cinematographer who cloaks the film in beautiful vibrant colors with the color red taking especial prominence. I loved the way the film turned out and i can unreservedly proclaim Basterds to be one of the best films of 2009. Watch it.
