Django Unchained (2012)
Up to this point in Quentin Tarantino's career despite both Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction really impressing me I couldn't say that Tarantino had created something I would call a full-on masterpiece. This is the film to finally make that jump into being a masterpiece in my opinion. Django Unchained follows a slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) who gets released by a dentist turned bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) who needs Django to help track down two slave owners who Django is also looking for revenge against after they hurt his wife who he has become separated from.
And first I must say that this film has some of the best actings in any Tarantino filmography which says a lot. If there has been one constant in Tarantino films it has been iconic acting, even in a film like Death Proof which is universally considered his worse film (I agree with that but still overall am positive on the film) Kurt Russel gave a performance that is truly special and iconic. This film has not 1 of these iconic performances but 3 of them, one of which being Christoph Waltz who brought home one of the 2 Oscar trophies this movie deserved and it is beyond deserved. He is such a presence in this film with his overwhelming charisma and charm. He gives every scene he is in 110% and this easily could be the best performance of his career. Meeting him in the supporting actor category is Leonardo DiCaprio who just like Christop Waltz carries himself with such a strong direction and power behind what he is trying to go far that he naturally carries a presence to him that bleeds into every scene he is in. He is disgusting but threatening, it always feels like he is on the verge of snapping yet also has those moments where he feels absolutely clueless. So much of this character and why it comes to life so strongly is because of the performance DiCaprio gives him. Jamie Foxx also is really solid as our lead Django, where his performance is less of a presence than Waltz and DiCaprio there is a really impressive depth to it.
The story is also where this film exceeds, so many Tarantino films struggle with building a story worthy of the long runtimes Tarantino often gives his films but finally, there is a story that truly feels worthy of a longer runtime and can properly fill it without needing filler or other added elements. This journey that the character goes on is captivating and huge as he hunts for revenge and is probably the strongest narrative that Tarantino has ever created. His screenplay and directing is also clearly up to its highest level and is a great showcase of his ability in those roles. The cinematography from Robert Richardson is also incredibly impressive. Tarantino films always have a strong visual style but the cinematography in this film particularly clicked.
Where normally there is something in Tarantino films that stands out as a negative that doesn't quite click, this film doesn't have one. It is a true masterpiece with everything clicking and working to such a high level. It has one of if not the best stories and character arc in any Tarantino film which kept me engaged and interested. In my eyes this is Tarantino's masterpiece and if you have not seen it and not been a fan of Tarantinos other works I really hope you give this one a try.
Where normally there is something in Tarantino films that stands out as a negative that doesn't quite click, this film doesn't have one. It is a true masterpiece with everything clicking and working to such a high level. It has one of if not the best stories and character arc in any Tarantino film which kept me engaged and interested. In my eyes this is Tarantino's masterpiece and if you have not seen it and not been a fan of Tarantinos other works I really hope you give this one a try.