I don't know if there's a world record for it (I seriously doubt it), but I think that a certain derogatory word aimed at African Americans was used a record number of times in Django Unchained. And, considering the movie's based in the South in 1858, it's accurate, as that word was (and sadly, still is) used copiously. And if this was a movie about the many aspects of slavery and how it affected our country and our lives as a whole, maybe I could get past it. However, this is a revenge fantasy, pure and simple. A Quentin Tarantino revenge fantasy. Bring on the blood splatters!
This isn't to say that the movie isn't enjoyable at times. It is. Christoph Waltz is fantastic, and his character is so well thought out. The movie's got a lot of humor (there's an extended scene with the Ku Klux Klan that's hilarious). Jamie Foxx is great going from a passive, meek man to, well, a badass. The soundtrack's outstanding. It has a great start. Then, the film hits a lull.
(This is the second film I've seen in two days that lasted over 2 hours. This one is 2 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES. Hey Hollywood, let me introduce you to a lovely concept called EDITING. Simply because Peter Jackson makes $100 million showing the Hobbits' morning ablutions doesn't mean you can't cut something. Good grief, my butt DOES have an expiration date, idiots.)
The lull does finally come to a close with the introduction of Leonardo DiCaprio's character. Yes, I'm a Leo fangurl, but he does a fantastic job. He's cruel and calculating, and downright bat-crap crazy. He can go from genteel to nutjob in a minute. He picks the film up when it critically needs it. And Samuel L. Jackson? Uhm, you have to see his character to believe it, but he certainly makes you pay attention. Kerry Washington's role is mostly passive and damsel-in-distress, which is a little disconcerting. For all of his faults, Tarantino's always written women pretty strong. I guess it doesn't work for this character in this setting. Anyway, the movie gets back on track, but only briefly. The meandering starts again.
Naturally, that's when the violence devolves into Splatterfest 2012. Which isn't really a surprise, since Tarantino's basically got the mindset and attention span of a 15 year old (and the wardrobe. Quentin, lose the hip hop clothes. You're old. And white.). People are shot, blood splatters, things blow up, yadayadayada. Typical Tarantino.
I did enjoy this, but it's hampered by its copious length and over-the-top violence. I think I'm ready for a nice simple romcom now.
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Points for going to see a Tarantino movie. He's on my eternal "don't bother" list. Good to know I don't have to amend that now. :)
I had heard that some people found the movie offensive for it's use of a certain word that shall remain unused here. I always hate when directors forget the power of subtlety and moderation. As you said, just because something CAN be 3 hours, doesn't mean it has to be or even should be.
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