Inglorious Basterds

To be honest I loved this movie, but I wasn't sure what I was watching. It turns out using historical circumstances as a toy for satire and absurdity isn't very becoming of Tarantino. Inglorious Basterds found his usual talent for getting behind the minds of his villains into the world of their motive somewhat wanting... or perhaps staring in the mirror in a self-indulgent fantasy of what it could accomplish if it tried.

Which is sad, because what villains he had to work with! Col. Hans Landa (Christopher Waltz) 'The Jew Hunter', a charming but malicious and murderous Nazi official was a fascinating character who taught us absolutely naught about himself, other than he was a charming and murderous Nazi official. Sylvester Groth's performance as Joseph Goebbels and Martin Wukke's as Hitler were both lackluster, a clear consequence of a director relying on years of previous cinematic satires of the characters, and once again offering absolutely no insights - even fictitious ones - into the minds and motives of the characters. They were fun to watch, but still opportunities wasted.

Brad Pitt as the rugged, war scarred, but whimsical Lt. Aldo Raine carried the caricature well and although his appearence initially burned the retina with look, it's Brad Pitt! he warmed very well to the role. His main offering to the movie - other than the compulsory cocky American - was to give every Nazi he allowed to live (and that's not many) a souvenir of their war actions, so they could not escape them after the war: a swastika carved into their foreheads. And Tarantino spared no expense in pleasuring the audiences gory appetites as Nazi scalp after scalp were carved off before our very eyes.

Of course gore is not unusual for Tarantino, but in this case it was not tied to any point, message, or outcome except for him to get the chance to film some Nazi's getting penance. At least that is the only message one is left with, even if it's a cynical one.

This being said, Tarantino's natural talent for film making still shone through the films murky lack-of-purpose. Suspense is built and held masterfully in numerous scenes. And although the characters may have been more shallow than what we are used to from the film maker, they are no less intriguing and enjoyable.

I've found many Tarantino die-hards leave the cinema confused and disappointed with Inglorious Basterds. It leaves the overall impression that this is a Tarantino film made for Tarantino. Personally, I love him, but not being a die hard fan I found it possible to disassociate myself with the said holes in his film making this time round and have a thoroughly enjoyable time. If taken as a pleasurable trip to the movies, Inglorious Basterds should be a fun experience...

.. just don't think too much.