Inglorious Basterds

Inglorious Basterds (2009)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger, Michael Fassbender

I loved this film, enjoyed every minute. To me this is Tarantino's 1st 'serious' film; don't get me wrong I'm a fan of all of his movies, but this is his first art-film, his first opus. This is serious cinema and he still manages to make it darkly funny. He rewrites history with his fictional account of Nazi occupied France near the end of WWII. The series of events that unfolds leads to the bloody assassination of Adolf Hitler and all the leaders of the Nazi party. Tarantino prompts that history could have unfolded this way had events transpired as they do in the film. I think he is right, its plausible even if fictional and that's what makes it exciting.

There are some scene chewing performances but that's why I love his films, he makes movies not documentaries, with big characters who are larger than life. This is a film made by a movie fanatic for movie fanatics. A part of the story is even about the making of a movie; a film within a film. The film in staged is parts like most of his films with chapters headings taking us through time and space like chapters in a book. The performances are incredible, Waltz steals the show hands down his opening scene dialogue some of the best ever written by Tarantino. The dialogue is not laden with contemporary 'funnies' as usual, its a period piece so as a writer he didn't have his usual stock of topical trivial perspective, here all the dialogue drives the story forward.

This film has its flaws like most movies, but they pale insignificance to the overall spectacle and bold approach of the dynamic storytelling. Brad Pitt was genuinely funny, he is a bold brave military gruff but with tenderness and a smile, he is a good guy, we want him to succeed regardless of his cruelty. Tarantino sculpts Hans Landa, the antagonist played by Waltz, into such a clever and sharp character that you cant help but admire this 'little man' with a 'big pipe', even though he is an evil murdering pig.

The film's climax is so brilliantly staged with all the elements and characters coming together in dramatic suspense. It ends with a fire to end all fires - apparently people/extras were hurt during filming and one can tell looking at the raging inferno that the set becomes. I recommend seeing this flick, its a hoot, pure cinema, pure entertainment. What I go to the movies for. This is a must see, must own.