by Ryan Richards

Created on: September 23, 2009

Inglorious Basterds - A film by Quentin Tarantino

The world has been blessed with motion pictures for over 100 years now, and every so often, there is one that rises above the rest. In today's film industry there are many actors, directors, cinematographers etc. that we all know and recognize. But of those few, how many can you say, that you recognize their style? There are only a handful of Artists today are recognizable not only by face and name, but by style and impressions left. Quentin Tarantino is among those few.

You can sit down with any of his features and you KNOW you're watching a "Tarantino" flick. Inglorious Basterds is no different. Right from the opening captions and music, you are in his world. For approximately 2 hours, I was in a Nazi-occupied France, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

This particular installment is a classic "What-if" type of story. "What if the Jews killed Hitler?" is the exact question posed here. The next 153 minutes is the (in)glorious answer.

One thing I found exceptional about the telling of this story, was the immediate introduction of the "villain". (Especially when this movie was marketed solely on the hero.) A very unassuming man with a positive nature who, were it not for the SS uniform, could have been the protagonist in another tale. Our Prince of Darkness goes by the name of Col. Hans Landa, or "The Jew Hunter" to those who had the (mis)fortune of knowing him personally. Maginificently crafted by Christoph Waltz. There's something about way he goes about his every movement, every monologue, every conviction, that makes you love/hate Landa all the more.

As mentioned before this movie was marketed solely on two things: Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt. Neither disappoint. Pitt is at his best as Lt. Aldo Raine, the leader of the Basterds, a squad of American-born Jews sent to help in the war effort. His southern accent is comedic even in the most serious of moments. A fact that only adds to the drama on screen and distancing himself from Landa. However, likable as Pitt may be, he does have an anti-hero essence about him. Often times more cruel that Landa himself.

After seeing this movie twice in theatres, I must say that this one of Q.T.'s finest displays on screen in a long time. It follows his directorial style of multiple stories being shown, only to converge at the end. The acting was amazing by everyone involved, from a personal favourite of mine, Til Schweiger (SLC Punk!, Driven) as Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz to a Mike Myers (Austin Powers) cameo. A tour de force performance by all.

There were moments in the film where the screen just came to life. The locations were amazing, especially the transition of the cinema. From drab and regular to sparkling and elegant for the premiere. The camera work was pristine and the cinematography, engrossing. In the opening long shot scene of Landa arriving at the LaPadite farm, it builds a suspense right from the very beginning. I'm a sucker for the long shot...

However, I felt the movie lacked a certain closure at the end. I was left wanting more. That is not something I like in movies. I repect it, but I don't like it. As a viewer, I like to feel fulfilled that just as the story unfolded going into the climax, it folds itself up again to be put away until later. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it did bring me back for a second viewing. I can't say the same about many other flicks these days.

If you're looking for a way to kill 2+ hours with phenominal dialogue and kick ass take on history, I fully recommend Inglorious Basterds. From a fan and a critic, thank you to everyone involved. What are you waiting for? Get out there and see it, The Basterds won't be in theatres forever.

Learn more about this author, Ryan Richards.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.