Django Unchained - Review

When it comes to finding quality movies these days, you've got to wonder if there is a more reliable director than Quentin Tarantino. It's pretty incredible when you think about it, not just that the guy has directed eight awesome movies (yes that includes Death Proof, I don't care what anyone says, Death Proof is a damn good tribute to 70s exploitation films and contains one of the greatest car chase scenes ever filmed), but rather that Tarantino has struck a chord with nearly everyone. Think about it, how many other filmmakers have been able to appeal to not only critics, but audiences everywhere ranging from film snobs, the blockbuster crowd, elitist hipsters, action junkies, and well... pretty much everyone short of the moral vanguards who have objected to the often violent and/or risqué content often found in his flicks. Why is that? Well, one can offer many theories, but what ultimately has made me remain such an enthusiastic fan (other than the fact that he flat out makes good movies) is what seems like a borderline psychotic obsession he has for the art of filmmaking. I would imagine (or at least I would hope) that all filmmakers have an immense passion for this medium, but Tarantino is a guy who has taken this love to the next level. Not only is he a self-proclaimed cinephile, but just by watching the dude's movies or seeing him being interview, it's plenty obvious that this is a guy who doesn't just love movies, but quite frankly, lives off of them. From sunrise to sunset, this is a guy who lives, eats, and breathes movies. That kind of passion and respect for this medium has resulted in one of cinema's most creative and prolific filmmakers who hones the skills of cinematic artists who have come before him and created his own unique voice and style that continues to entertain. So... with all of that said, how is his new film, Django Unchained?

As Quentin Tarantino's first true western, the film opens in 1858, with Django (played by Jamie Foxx), a recently sold slave being transported en route to Texas. His caravan is approached by Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), a dentist-turned-bounty hunter, who enlists the aid of Django in order to identify his next potential bounty. He promises Django that if he assists him with the bounty, he will receive a share of the profits as well as his freedom. Upon realizing that Django is naturally skilled in the field of bounty hunting, he takes him on as a full fledged partner for the winter bounties. Django only requests that after the season ends, that Schulz assists him in the rescue of his wife Broomhilda, who was sold to a  sadistic plantation owner named Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) who infamous for his pitting his slaves in brutal fights to the death. As the two plan their voyage into Candie's estate, nicknamed "Candie Land" (what else?), a land where racism runs rampant, Django and Schultz brace themselves for the horrors they are about to encounter.

Whether or not you approve of Quentin Tarantino's blatant audacity, you have to admit that the guy has serious balls for making a movie like this. Tarantino has often payed tribute to both blaxploitation flicks and spaghetti westerns, but I don't think he's ever done it quite to this extent. Django Unchained includes all of his expected trademarks, including his witty dialogue, established character actors giving eccentric performances, and shout-outs to classic flicks (the most obvious of which is the title and main character being a reference to the 1966 film Django). This one, while not quite reaching the same level of depth as say, Pulp Fiction, nonetheless features some poignant character beats reminiscent of his earlier movie Jackie Brown... along with the gritty violence of Reservoir Dogs and the over-the-top gore of Kill Bill. There has been more than a little controversy surrounding this flick, some regarding the extreme violence, some about the story's themes, and some about the use of the N-Word. I'm not going to get too in-depth with the film's controversial elements, but there is one thing on which I will comment. In this day in age, with race still being a touchy subject, it's almost impossible to make a race-driven movie without attracting some kind of controversy. So, while I acknowledge that it's a damned-if-you-do/damned-if-you-don't situation, there's just been a way-too-common trend of racially-driven films short-changing or sugar coating either it's messages or subject matter (The Help being a recent example). Django Unchained's take on slavery and racism may not be "sensitive" per se, but it definitely takes it seriously and portrays it for what it is... evil, nasty, brutal, disgusting, and flat-out horrific. Slavery an unfortunate stain on American history that many like to pretend never happened... only it did happen, and it was a period that was significantly darker than many probably would like to admit. Django Unchained doesn't skimp on that front, it's brutal and shocking from start to finish.

I would love to know just how Tarantino directs his actors, because this guy has a knack for finding the perfect casts and getting just the right performances. Jamie Foxx has shown on many occasions that he's a talent to be reckoned with, though he hasn't done anything particularly memorable since 2004 (the year of his double-whammy in Ray and Collateral). That all changes here, as he once again brings his top acting chops to the role of Django. He starts off as somewhat reserved, but goes with the flow of his developing character, releasing his anger and hate, as the former slave sets out for revenge, resulting in one of his most dynamic and deeply emotional performances to date. Christoph Waltz reunites with Tarantino after the two collaborated together in Inglorious Basterds (for which Waltz won an Oscar). Waltz, once again, brings his enigmatic talents to another solid role, not only driving the story and bringing some mystery to his character, but also adding some nice touches of comic relief to such a dark film. Both Foxx and Waltz have a good chemistry, and work well enough to keep the audiences invested and wanting to see what will happen next. They're a good duo that I think most will enjoy.

As good as Foxx and Waltz are, there is one performance that managed to rise above pretty much everyone else... and that is Leonardo DiCaprio as the despicable Calvin Candie. It's kind of funny to think that back in 1997, myself and a lot of others couldn't stand the guy after, despite giving a very average performance in Titanic, Leo-mania hit the world. That said, he's really made a name for himself after, in what could have been his 15 minutes, he continued developing his acting chops and choosing damn good roles. I'll admit that I've become a fan, and his performance here is really something to behold. He is arguably the best villain of the year, and DiCaprio just owns every minute he's on screen. He's such a nasty and dick of a villain, and DiCaprio just sells every ounce of the dude's worst qualities. I would like to see all three of these guys come out with Oscar nods, but as far as I'm concerned, if the Academy doesn't recognize DiCaprio for this... then they really need to get with the program. I won't dwell too much on the rest of the cast since that would take forever, though will say that they were all quite good, and that does include one of Samuel L. Jackson's more memorable roles in recent years.

Tarantino is such a master of the craft, that it seems kind of pointless to even mention the guy's direction. What can I say? The guy knows his stuff, inside out. Hell, I imagine the guy could probably direct a movie blindfolded and it would still be cinematic gold. Few directors have a knack for spot on cinematography, action scenes, witty performances, and film pacing. Even with a near 3-hour runtime, the film was so engaging that is just flew by. The action scenes are all damn-near perfect, with some of the best shootouts to hit the cinematic world in I don't know how long. In addition to being flat out thrilling and suspenseful, they're also bloody as hell, with the aforementioned buckets of blood that he's known for dishing out. The camerawork is beautiful, the editing is perfectly timed, the sets look great, the whole movie is just awesome. As I mentioned before, Tarantino just knows how to find that perfect balance of honoring classic films while incorporating his own vision to create a unique and visceral style. I can't really think of anything bad about this movie, only that it may not be for absolutely everyone. The over-the-top violence and edgy subject matter will no doubt be too much for some. For someone whose no stranger to on screen violence, I'll even admit that there were a couple scenes that kind of disturbed even me (I won't spoil which ones, but I think you'll know when you see them). But honestly, the movie is just that freaking great, plain and simple.

In the pantheon of Tarantino's filmography, this may not quite be his best (Pulp Fiction is going to be insanely difficult to top), but it's nonetheless another cinematic gem worthy of his past achievements. The great performances, memorable action, and insanely compelling story make this a very strong contender for best film of 2012. So unless you can't stomach your screen violence, all I can say is that Django Unchained is an absolute must see! Don't wait... go to the theater right now and check it out!

My Score: 5 out of 5!