Inglourious Basterds

I've reviewed several of Quentin Tarantino's films this year as I realized I was quite behind in his filmography and actually seeing many of his films, not just on TV. 

He's one of the most iconic filmmakers living today and has a plethora of unique films brimming with his distinct style. As of late, I've had several conversations with people about their favorite Tarantino film and more and more I've heard this one, Inglourious Basterds, being referenced. It was a film that came out to great success when it first hit theaters, but seems to have aged immaculately in the 10ish years since it was released and among Tarantino's other films on his resume. 

I've had large gaps for quite some time having not fully seen some of his films, but Basterds has always been my favorite and that hasn't changed throughout the course of this year, though I'll admit Kill Bill: Vol 2 came close. Basterds is a film that exudes an iconic status from nearly start to finish and has scene after scene of which easily imprints on your memory as movie "magic". Sure it's quite violent and some may argue insensitive given the subject matter, but it's also, in many ways, Tarantino's masterpiece.

The first thing you immediately notice about Basterds is Christoph Waltz's Hans Landa, aka "The Jew Hunter". Waltz paired with Tarantino's script is unstoppable and impossible to tear your eyes away from. He's devilishly captivating, but knowing the evil nature of his job you're left hating him more and more. That first scene at the farmhouse, discussing local Jewish villagers over a cold glass of fresh milk allows Waltz to introduce the seemingly "fair" character resulting in violent outcomes. From there, Waltz comes back in and out of the film, stealing his scenes nearly every time. Whether he's waiting for the cream of his pastry, talking to a local movie starlet, or negotiating terms, he - and Tarantino's script - are always "as good as it gets" in terms of an actor delivering a performance that perfectly compliments the words they're given. 

Waltz isn't the only one that deserves praise though. Pitt is hilarious but menacing as Aldo Raine, a thick-drawled American who must have his Nazi scalps. His group of Basterds are all entertaining too, each getting their moment throughout to do something memorable. Melanie Laurent is given the daunting task of going toe to toe with Waltz and Daniel Bruhl multiple times, of which she shines in being the shy but plotting Shosanna. Smaller parts to Diane Kruger and Michael Fassbender also standout thanks again to the script and the tense scenes they're a part of. 

A truly masterful performance

Not the sight you want to
see during an interrogation!

The rest of the film's praise can really be rolled up into the fact that scene after scene feels like a classic. Yes a lot of that is because of the script and the performances, but there's also a large credit due to how well the film is made and how Tarantino, for the most part, keeps his quirky aspects in check. In the aforementioned Kill Bill Vol 2, a lot of that quirkiness shows up - and it fits - and lends itself to many classic scenes there too. In Inglourious Basterds he finds the right balance. There's some thoughtful cinematography throughout and the original score is fitting. Perhaps it's taken me until now too before I realized just how impressive the story is. It's a simple, yet intricate plot, filled with spies and strong character motives, all packaged around Tarantino's love for cinema. 

When it comes to Tarantino, everyone is going to give a different answer about how they'd rank his films. Part of that is a testament to just how versatile he is; he's created some gangster films, a WWII one, a pair of kung-fu epics, a handful of westerns, and more recently a Hollywood period piece. While I may not be entirely sure how I'd rank all of his films, I do know that anytime someone mentions "favorite", my mind immediately goes to the violent, captivating, history-bending tale that is Inglourious Basterds. 

CONS

• Feels like it loses sight of the endgame at moments, but only ever so briefly
• Ending feels a bit abrupt
• Depending on your view, some unsatisfying character arcs

PROS

• Expert direction by Tarantino and he's able to create deliciously memorable scenes throughout
• Scenes play long in classic Tarantino fashion, but they build to extreme tension 
• Incredible performances across the board, but Christoph Waltz' Hans Landa is an instantly-iconic villain
• Fitting original score
• Strong cinematography
• Fun, humorous, and captivating script to compliment the performances
• Engrossing tale that is well paced and allows Tarantino to have some fun with history
• Features some all-time great scenes from the beginning farm introduction to the bar in the basement standoff

Retro Rath's Review Score |

10/10 - Instant Classic