Blood, guts, sex, and gore. They are four things that we have all come to expect from the likes of Quentin Tarantino and his cult-favorite films. From Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, to Kill Bill and its sequel, Tarantino always finds a way to show-up and impress his previous best. Thankfully, Brad Pitt and crew live up to the hype and expectation in the highly anticipated, though clearly controversial, Inglorious Basterds.
In the film, Brad Pitt plays Lt. Aldo Raine, the leader of a powerful group of Jewish-Americans who have been chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. Known to their enemy only as 'The Basterds,' the group is successful in wreaking havoc amongst the party's most elite members, creating a stir during their otherwise peaceful world take over.
But intermixed within the story of these fateful few, Tarantino brings a character-driven epic to life in the form of Shosanna Dreyfus, played brilliantly by Melanie Laurent. After watching her family become a victim of the evil 'Jewish hunter' Col. Hans Landa, Shosanna escapes to Paris where she creates an alternate identity as a cinema owner. It is through her that you begin to feel the emotional impact and sense of unknowing that came from the rule of Hitler. She triggers heartfelt sympathy, an emotion that the Basterds are unable to acquire. Her actions, provoked by her past, create an unforgettable final fifteen minutes that leave you breathless as you sit in your seat, attempting to make peace with all that you have just witnessed.
The film itself is separated into five separate sectors, labeled "˜chapters,' which makes it come across more like a book than an actual film. The Basterds are not featured throughout the film as I had expected. They instead split time with Shosanna and secret spy Bridget von Hammersmark, played by the gorgeous Diane Kruger. Separately, each story line is missing something. I could never quite put my finger on exactly what it was, but the spark that rests in all other Tarantino films didn't seem present. Thankfully, during the final chapter, the three parties come together. This gives the film the final montage that it so deserves.
Like most Tarantino films, this one thrives on its story and ability to create fear and animosity. The opening sequence, complete with a house visit by our lead villain and an unsuspected shoot out, sets the pace for what is going to be a long and detailed adventure through the circles of hell. Pitt's famous speech could have been the most prominent moment throughout the entire feature; but its key-spot amongst all trailers deems it a slight bore during the actual film. And let's not forget the long, overdone bar scene that introduces us to the beautifully talented Diane Kruger. It is here that the story finally begins to come together; although, I must admit that they do take their sweet time sorting out the details. Don't get me wrong, the scene is intense and necessary. It just wanes on a bit long, losing much of its luster throughout.
Fortunately, the final chapter proves to be just what the doctor ordered as a popular movie star, a pissed off survivor, and The Basterds come together. It is here that we get to see the bloodbath that is Tarantino, reminding us just why we have come to recognize and respect the man for all his wonderful work within the genre of outlandish gore.
The wit and humor is extremely subtle throughout the film, most of it coming from sticky situations, the comedic placement of dialogue, and the timely work of Pitt. Overall, the cast works well together, feeding off each other's energy and using it for the betterment of the movie. The landscapes are dull and drab, giving the emotional effect that many of the characters are unable to personify.
Sadly, the movie wasn't all that it could have been. Many cast members were underused, most noticeably B.J. Novak. The sluggish moments within the middle of the film were deadening, forcing me to fight off sleep as I patiently sat and waited for Tarantino to make himself known once again. And I was quite upset that The Basterds weren't featured more. Sure, they carry much of the film, especially during its violent parts, but otherwise they were MIA. Regardless, with the film's long running time, I was really hoping to see more of what they do best - killing Nazis.
In the end, the film isn't bad. The only problem is that it isn't nearly as good as I had hoped. Instead, it sits in that mid-range; the place where films go when they are exciting, but still a bit disappointing. The soundtrack helps to raise the stakes a bit as they chose to use scores from past war films, a respectable tribute to the genre to say the least. Still, I strongly suggest that everyone gives this film a chance. If you are like me, you will be pleased with everything that you see But then again, if you are like me, you won't fully understand the reason behind all the hype and buzz - I mean, it wasn't life changing, was it?
