Movie Primer: Inglourious Basterds

This is a short primer for Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. This movie is having its bloody premier on August 21st, 2009. The trailer for this film can be found at http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/inglouriousbasterds/

The Plot: This movie takes place during World War II but Tarantino would not like you to think of this film as a war movie. He describes it as a spaghetti western that uses German occupied France as it's setting. A young woman seeks revenge against an SS colonel who been given the nickname "The Jew Hunter" for his ability to find Jews who are in hiding. This colonel has killed the young woman's family so understandably she is not too happy with him. Also there is a group of Jewish American soldiers, lead by Brad Pitt, who have slipped behind enemy lines to basically kill as many Nazi's as they can.

Star Power: Well I mentioned Brad Pitt of course who is playing the leader of the Nazi killing soldiers. He has a great little mustache for this film and a brilliant southern accent. You can tell he is having a lot of fun with this role. Eli Roth (director of Hostel) is taking a break from filming gore to cause some of his own as one of the soldiers. Also in an odd bit of casting B. J. Novak of The Office will play one of the Americans. French actress Melanie Laurent will play the Jewish woman that is seeking revenge. Both Mike Meyers and Samuel Jackson will have cameos in the movie.

Behind the Screen: Like most of his films the big guy behind the screen is Mr. Tarantino who directed and wrote this movie. This movie has been a pet project of his for a while. The films basic concept and title are taken from an Italian film made in 1978 but the director has really his version of the story his own. Parts of the film were actually shot in France and Germany and the director told Hollywood Reporter that it was the closest thing to Pulp Fiction that he has done.

What to expect: Tarantino is not afraid of a little blood and by the looks a thing he plans to shed a good deal of it in this film. This is not a movie to take your kids to that is for sure. The movie looks very violent and filled with action. Of course for a lot of people this just means it's going to be a whole lot of bloody fun. Brad Pitt looks great and if his performance is any indication this movie will be a little bit over the top but its not as if Kill Bill was subtle. This is not your typical World War II epic but if you like a good action movie it would seem you will be pleased with what Mr. Tarantino has to offer you this August.

Hollywood Reporter Magazine
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