Tarantino rewrites history

October 19, 2009 • Matthew Curran  
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

“…We’re gonna be doin’ one thing and one thing only… killin’ Nazis,” says Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), leader of the Inglorious Basterds. The movie is set in German-occupied France during World War II. The Basterds are a group of American Jews on a mission to kill as many Nazis as possible.

Brad Pitt gives a thrilling performance, not far from his general comfort zone, as the leader of the Inglorious Basterds. He is funny, violent and valiant all in one.

Mélanie Laurent, a French-born actress new to the United States gives a breakthrough performance as a French Jew posing as a supporter of the Third Reich.

She became popular in France by acting in films such as “Voyage d’affaires” (The Business Trip) and “La chambre des morts” (Chamber of Death).

Christoph Waltz plays Nazi Colonel Hans Landa, the antagonist, hunting down the Inglorious Basterds. His performance was outstanding and admired. He was twisted, creepy and cunning.

Quentin Tarantino directs this thriller as he has in previous films such as “Pulp Fiction”, “Kill Bill” and recently, “Death Proof”. These movies are dark, satirical and have athedistinct style linked to Tarantino.  “Inglorious Basterds” is Tarantino’s first film since “Pulp Fiction” to hit over the one hundred million dollar mark and is supposed to surpass it in upcoming weeks.

“Basterds”, filmed in five parts, shows the viewer a different story of WWII. The movie prompts the viewer to think differently about Nazis and Jews.

Instead of showing how Jews were forced into merciless concentration camps, the film reveals the Jews fighting back and getting their revenge upon the Nazis.

The movie is catorgorized in the action genre and is filled with fight and death scenes. Although “Basterds” is an action film it has a deep and meaningful aspect to it as well.

A remarkable score fits perfectly with the tone of every scene, a feat for movies. It adds tremendous suspense and tragedy throughout the movie.

The cinematography is marvelous as well. The opening scene features a dairy farmer  who was hiding Jews and Landa interrogating him. The scene is remarkably powerful.

Tarantino catches the actors at every angle possible which gives viewers a great tone for the movie.

This movie earned an 8.6 out of 10 rating from IMBD.com reviewers. It portrays an alternate ending that is similar, but simaltaneously very different from the actuality of World War II. This fictional tale ends on a happy note with the death of Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler, and the freeing of all the captive Jews. Tarantino produces another succesful film while rewriting history.