Classic Write-Up: Django Unchained Review

Movies always have a natural disconnect between the viewers and what's happening on screen. However, several movies have this selfish attitude in them where it seems like the filmmakers behind the endeavor are having tons of fun with the plot, but refuse to allow the viewer to connect or engage with what's happening onscreen. In Django Unchained, it's pretty freaking apparent Quentin Tarantino is having an absolute blast with the cinematic adventure he's concocted thanks to how great it is. Plus, he eagerly allows anyone and everyone to join him in having fun with the venture. 

I'm pleased he has that kind of attitude, considering how utterly fantastic Django Unchained. Here is a movie with a story that should be the epitome of bad taste, a film that takes the horrors of slavery and turns them in an action flick. But Tarantino never ever shies away from depicting slavery as anything short of a terrifying act, never using it, or more importantly, the suffering real people endured under slavery, as fodder for a mindless, Michael Bay style action sequence. The screenplay Tarantino has written is ingenious in so many factors, but the handling of this controversial (to put it extremely lightly) subject matter is one of its best assets.

Another one of the "best assets" of this picture is the titular character of Django. He isn't a chatty Cathy, but he has a presence that's insanely intimidating. Jamie Foxx is the perfect guy to play Django, as the dude can make one on edge through a simple disgruntled facial expression. He's able to command a lot in moments of silence, but also brings Tarantinos distinctive dialogue to life in an excellent manner. One that surprised me in terms of quality in the cast was Christoph Waltz, which, I know, sounds bizarre considering Waltz won an Oscar for his work here. But I didn't expect him to be so warm and lovable here; despite the numerous violent actions he commits in the film, he still has this inviting aura that makes him an oasis of kindness in a film full of evil characters.

One of the biggest of these evil characters is played by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. He gets the role of Calvin Candie, a sadistic slaveowner who has a calm demeanor that rarely wavers, even while witnessing hideous acts of violence against slaves. Notice though I said that he rarely wavers; whenever he breaks down, he acts more like a child in the midst of a tantrum. DiCaprio has a knack for playing both (his personas as both calm rich fellow and deranged madman reminded me of his lead role in The Wolf of Wall Street) and he seems to relish playing a more antagonistic character than the likes of Jay Gatsby. 

The entire film moves at a steady pace, with Tarantino keeping things moving right along in inventive ways (I like the text that talks about a formative winter Django has, it's just so simple and effective) and rarely pausing for a breath. And why should he? He's obviously having the time of his life, playing with peoples expectations by bringing to life a story that centers around (to put it extremely lightly) taboo subject matter, a main character who has very little actual dialogue and contains a humorous scene with precursors to the KKK. All three of those succeed, as does the rest of the film, which becomes an exhilarating ride that revels in its creativity and boldness.