Inglourious Basterds

by Aaron Helfferich · Published August 21, 2009

For director Quentin Tarantino, a mastery of film as an art form seems to come easily. His unique eye for cinema has led to influential films including “Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill.” While a short but distinguished list, few filmmakers can attain the level of auteur success that Tarantino has. His latest film is yet another testament to his exceptional skills at writing dialogue and crafting infectious characters to drive a story.

The newest story is “Inglourious Basterds.” Led by a stand-out cast including Brad Pitt, the story begins during World War II in German occupied France. American Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Pitt) has organized a group of Jewish soldiers to evoke retribution from the despicable Nazi soldiers. Raine’s gruesome acts of vengeance have gained the group a fearsome reputation by being commonly referred to as “The Basterds.”

With the suspense and anticipation of action that typically drives a Tarantino film, the characters featured in “Basterds” are unlike any we’ve ever seen before. They’re polished, mindful to their purpose in the story, and largely successful due to the performers. Hearing Brad Pitt spew lines of Tarantino flare is not only lyrically magnificent, but it devilishly defines his presence.

Not to be outdone, however, is Christoph Waltz as Aldo’s nemesis, Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. As if you weren’t already hanging off of every word of dialogue, Waltz portrays Landa with such a formidable coldness that you don’t find hatred for him simply because he wears a swastika on his uniform. For as alarmingly loathsome as he may be, there’s still humor that may help Waltz receive a few nominations come awards season.

Due to all of these incredible performances carrying such wonderful dialogue, there’s an intense emotion that rises and falls throughout each chapter of “Inglourious Basterds.” Without forgetting it’s a Tarantino film, there still that disturbing violence and strong language that inflicts fear and disgust with many unsuspecting viewers. Although you shouldn’t be so quick to call it his masterpiece, there’s no denying that Tarantino has once again given us a majestic mash-up of film brilliance that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.