This film is like all of Tarantino's films past, present and future: intense. If Tarantino is known for any one thing in his film making it is that he does not believe in the "line" which should not be crossed. Instead, Tarantino believes that everything is safe for him to use. Django Unchained is his newest film which toes the line and in many cases crosses it. Having said all this, I do not feel that this intentional crossing makes his story telling abilities or film making tarnished, rather it gives his films an edge over others.
As with any film revolving around slavery, one could expect to hear the "N" word used from time to time. Tarantino, however, doesn't simply walk away from something as uncomfortable as said word, but instead he uses this word more then a valley girl says "like". I for one was not born in the 19th century and assume most of my readers weren't either, so it's safe to say this word is uneasy to hear in any amount let alone a Tarantino amount-constantly. Realistically, though, I believe this disgusting word was used more in everyday speech then we would feel comfortable believing, and more than most filmmakers feel comfortable using in their films, but not the boundary pushing Tarantino.
Another line Tarantino is notorious for crossing is graphic violence and gore. Django Unchained is by no means a film in which should be shown in a school or to minors, however, as I previously said, I do not disagree with his portrayal of many of this films intense violent scenes. What would happen if a freed slave had his chance at retribution towards former farm hands who earlier in his life caused pain and damage not only to himself but to his wife? What would happen if you had multiple men in a shootout within the foyer of an estate? I think the answer is very clear and Tarantino shows this ugly side of violence.
As I said above, Tarantino loves to walk that line of acceptable and unacceptable, and it is this precise quirk that makes his films so wildly controversial and loved. Sure, he could make Django Unchained PG-13, and leave out any and all forms of historical controversy: violence, the "N" word, etc., or he could make a film which pushes the boundaries of such a terrible historical past and show the world, and us movie goers, that we haven't' always been perfect, and that we have toed these lines ourselves.
Now, for a little technological review. I watched this film twice before attempting this post. Why? It is simple, this film has a lot going on from start to finish. I was simply unable to take in the whole experience the first time. So, as I watched this the second time around I began to notice a lot of things I did not care for, most of which dealt with lighting. There were multiple sequences where the light seemed unnaturally bright, or unrealistic for the scenery. In the opening sequence there is a very harsh or "hot" light coming from the left hand side of the screen. In this shot there is a line of slaves and two men on horseback riding away from the light. The reason I noticed this egregious light was because the background was totally black, no light, and see what we see is an over-exaggerated light high-lighting these character's backs and shoulders. Where did this hot light come from? Are we to believe this is the moon? There was another point when they are in a tavern and there is a light shining down onto the table where Django and the good doctor are sitting. This too was overly hot for any realistic oil lamp that tavern would have had. Thinking back to it I feel that this light didn't lend anything to the film, rather for me it distracted me from taking in the story at that particular point in time.
All in all this film was pretty entertaining, and relatively well done, despite the awkward lighting I above mentioned. All the actors involved were exceptionally good, but more especially Christoph Waltz and Leonardo Dicaprio. At this point in time we are well aware that the Academy agrees with my consensus on Waltz since he was awarded the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and well deserved it. Sorry, spoiler alert. As with his role in Inlgourious Baterds, Waltz commanded the attention on screen and delivered a powerful show throughout the entirety of Django Unchained. Congrats friend!
Final Words: Medium Popcorn.
Even though my review of this film seemed relatively positive, I feel that compared to the other films I have reviewed, and given higher scores, Django Unchained, to me, was not exactly at the same level. Having said that, I'm sure there are many of you out there who would put this particular film higher then I put others, and I do not blame you. As for younger/immature audience, I would say this film is wildly inappropriate for the very intense sequences and language. If you are a Tarantino fan-see it!
Until next time, happy viewing!
Review Rating : Based on popcorn sizes; small, medium, large, extra-large
When films get a snore zzz... worth skipping
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