So, initial reaction to Quentin Tarantino's 154 minute WWII extravaganza is decidedly negative. Phrases like "a juvenile cinephilic rush job" (IndieWire) and "I wouldn't even call "Inglourious Basterds" minor Tarantino -- it's flat-out tiresome" (IFC) are not encouraging. Still comparisons to Death Proof may be the kiss of death for some, but the 'hanging out' nature of that film (and for that matter Tarantino's best - or at least most human - film, Jackie Brown) is a good thing. There are not enough take-it-slow, narrative-be-damned genre flicks out there. And the notion of a non-commercial talk fest in the environs 1940s Europe I find oddly appealing. Your mileage may vary.
To tide you over, here are a couple more clips from the film, after the Jump.
Screw the negativity. I'm still going to see it. Hell, I'm one of the only people I know who loved Death Proof.
@Scott second that! Death Proof was great! No complaints here! It was exactly what I expected.
So, finally even the people at Cannes are seeing the emperor as he really is, fully naked.
Hell yes. I loved Death Proof too!
@Chevalier Aguila
sadly it's absolutely true.
But the most important thing is, Quentin is doing his movies for himself. And is happy with that. No one needs to worry about him anymore. I think he finally lost his credibillity. I see Pulp Fiction 2 coming. Tarantino will need it.
Well, I'm one of the ones who couldn't stand Death Proof so I'll be the one here to say "oh no."
Well, I guess this Tarantino bashing has been going on for some time now ... and his name branded on the "Hostel" films (which I liked) probably didn't help his cool ... I wouldn't call 'Deathproof' a masterpiece, but I sure liked it ...
Even though this Inglo(u)rio(u)s Bast(e)rds project didn't really get me all that excited with major anticipation, only after a certain point I saw the potential, I'm looking forward to checking it out myself ... without prejudice ... and if this is the bridge too far for Quentin, maybe the ass-kissers will turn their backs on him ;-) and the Weinsteins will finally kick him out and let him go ! Freedom at last !
Empire UK ain't so ' negative '.
I've been a huge Tarantino fan since day one and I pretty much hated Death Proof. Seeing all this negative word of mouth makes me think that he's done something fantastic for us geeks. I personally can't wait to see this.
Watching Deathproof was like watching Tarantino masturbating. I'm pretty sure he enjoyed making that movie. However, watching a guy wanking isn't my idea of a good time :)
Here's hoping Basterds is a lot better cause the film sounds really interesting.
There is very positive review by Todd McCarthy in Variety and it seems like Ebert liked it too. Also, script is great so I can't imagine this could be any less than great movie.
Jackie Brown and Kill Bill are my faves, so if this mixes the bloody action of Kill Bill and 'hang-out' scenes of Jackie Brown it could be his best yet.
Basterds is pretty good, but definitely uneven. Surprisingly (or perhaps not surprisingly) the Basterds are the least interesting part of the film. Little attention or focus is given to many of the characters, and they really don't effect the outcome of the film. Pitt is also very one-note, his character barely making an impression beyond what we've seen in the trailers.
Mélanie Laurent and Christopher Waltz are the reason to see the film. The portion of the film regarding the cinema is the "real" movie. The Basterds stuff kind of feels like a fake grindhouse trailer wondered into the film.
Todd, maybe when i get back I'll throw a review together for you.
Honestly though, its not a bad film at all. It has great moments, but as a coherent whole it feels problematic.
Peter, I hope you are enjoying your Cannes experience. And I wonder if this will not be tweaked a bit before dropping Wide release in September. There is certainly no shortage of time to do so.