Django Unchained

I looked for a thread on this but didn't see one.

I know we've all been out seeing Les Miserables this past week, but has anyone else seen Quentin Tarantino's newest flick?

I thought it was a very entertaining homage to the old spaghetti westerns. Jamie Foxx was decent enough, but Waltz and DiCaprio stole the film IMO. I also enjoyed Samuel L. Jackson's character.

People (most notably Spike Lee) have accused Tarantino of attempting to poke fun at, or make light of the institution of slavery in the film. People have also criticized the excessive gore and violence, as well as Tarantino's use of the N-word, which is spoken quite freely throughout the entire film. I wasn't bothered by the violence - anyone who's seen Kill Bill or Pulp Fiction knows Tarantino's style.

As a black man, I was initially a little jarred by the frequent use of the N-word, but it wasn't offensive to me.

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Updated On: 1/3/13 at 10:02 AM

I never got used to the word 'n*' being thrown about by EVERYONE in that film. It was stunning...and provocative. But (and I'm no historian) my guess would be that the word was used so frequently and so casually that the film found an emotional truth in its liberal usage.

Criticizing Tarantino for his use of violence is about as useful as a fur muff in Fiji.

I thought it was a terrific movie, but perhaps a little overlong in the end. Though the movie was absurd and had moments of high camp, I felt the brutality towards slaves was not in any way mocked...in fact, I found those moments almost unbearable. I thought Washington was really terrific, and if she had more screen time, she might have been an Oscar contender. It's actually the first time I've bought Leo's adult persona. Waltz is a wonder and Foxx was perfect (and I'm not always a fan). Jackson is a ridiculous ham of an actor, but Tarantino finds a way to make the work for him.

I think the thing I was most uncomfortable with were the depictions of black women in the film. It was a crazy mix of Butterfly McQueen homage and Blaxploitation bad acting that really challenged me. I don't know if was brave, or artistically sound...but it sure did make an impression.

That link is also why I won't use the phrase 'The N-Word' when talking about the language in the film. And I think it's a good point. Adults should be able to discuss the impact of the word in this movie without de-fanging it.

I agree with you 100% Robbie. It also drives me nuts when journalists won't say it when reporting on a story. I also never got used to hearing it in the film. I winced a little every time. And I never got the sense that Tarantino was making light of slavery.
There's an article on aintitcool.com that says Tarantino has starting writing the third script in his revisionist history trilogy. It goes back to WWII and deals with a squad of black American soldiers. I'm hoping we'll see Samuel Jackson in this too.
Tarantino teases 3rd film in revisionist history trilogy.

Yup. I would have been curious to hear Jackson's response to the question if the guy would have just said the word. The guy must have felt like he was interviewing Jules Winnfield for a minute.

*Spoiler Alert*
I loved when Lara Lee Candie got blown away. I gasped and lauged at the same time.

Looks like audiences are liking it. Django Unchained is set to become Tarantino's biggest box office success.
Link

I know it but I don't think I should say it

I loved it, and didn't really expect to.

One thing that was confusing for me was how the tone of the movie seemed to change constantly. Some of it was so serious and heavy, and then suddenly there would be a comedic scene. And then it didn't really start to feel Tarantino-esque until the final third of the movie. So it seemed a bit mismatched at times while I was watching it. However, in hindsight I loved that about it.

Also, what was with Amber Tamblyn for five seconds? Or the random worker lady with the bandana they kept showing? I was certain she was going to be significant and then...nothing. It's as though her important scene was cut from the movie or something.

I LOVEDLOVEDLOVED this movie. Brilliant performances across the board, and the film itself was just riveting. Definitely my favorite movie of the holiday season.

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Is Kerry Washington in the film much?

Tarantino should write a major role for Christoph Walz in every film he does.

I wouldn't be shocked if Kerry Washington is the "What the???" Oscar nomination this year. I LOVE her but I think she'll get one and people will be shocked.