You're mostly right about Tarantino's new movie, Sam. It is good and one of his best works, including over PULP FICTION. Technically, he smartly uses cameraman Robert Richardson known for his stark color-contrast, richly
textured palette to create beautiful moods of the mostly intimate scenes around tables. And there there is veteran special effects wizard, John Dykstra, giving us brilliantly conceived, expressive explosions w/imagery.
His writing is less indulgent this time around and the table scenes that comprise most of the movie are intense, well acted, and filled with lots of "doings" and realisms. Filled with mostly unrecognizable names only helps to further the reality of the story.
textured palette to create beautiful moods of the mostly intimate scenes around tables. And there there is veteran special effects wizard, John Dykstra, giving us brilliantly conceived, expressive explosions w/imagery.
His writing is less indulgent this time around and the table scenes that comprise most of the movie are intense, well acted, and filled with lots of "doings" and realisms. Filled with mostly unrecognizable names only helps to further the reality of the story.
But, I could do without that blatantly awkward/modern soundtrack that belongs in PULP or KILL BILL...once again, Tarantino is calling attention to himself (as if the audience expects him to give this signature for all his
films like Hitchcock doing his cameos).
BUT, and it's a big one, it is ironic that Tarantino does not have a point of view about this tale (for want of a better phrase) of "what if...fantasy". When the story takes a hard right turn (movie premiere-assassination) after the German killing spree by Pitt and his Basterds, it is here that Tarantino is in his element. Having a vast movie
knowledge and displaying it in such dramatic circumstances, is what makes this movie fascinating. Names I know, Reifenshtal (sp), G.W. Pabst, Emil Jannings (terrific actor in his day!), bathed in WWII has never been
explored before (to my knowledge). I just wish he had taken his story a little more seriously because it's a great idea and certainly worth exploring, especially since the Nazis were so effective as propagandists.
Once again, Tarantino's parts are better than the whole. Too Bad there is a lot to like about this film, but I still came away remembering the little things and wondering what Quentin really had in mind.