Review by: Jonathan Godrey for Mr. Will Wong
Rest in peace Sally Menke: Though Django Unchained excelled despite your absence, it was nevertheless noticed. Long time collaborator Fred Raskin did a great job filling your shoes, as did the entire cast and crew of this exceptional Western.
For fans of the genre Django is a familiar name. One associated with excessive violence and allusions to the grave. These gags are still present in Tarantino’s take on the Tale. However, there is no question that his touch remains heavy-handed. His is the story of a slave filtered through a fairytale. Django (Jamie Foxx) is both a scarred outcast and a hopeless romantic. Armed with deft hands and a witty German, (Dr. King Schultz played by Christoph Waltz), Django buries his shackles and beleaguers his way into a rescue plot.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays the antagonist Calvin Candie. Backed up by an overzealous Yes Man (Stephen played by Samuel L. Jackson), DiCaprio shines throughout. His ability to tap into an array of emotions is ever impressive. Thus, the question remains as to why the Academy can’t see this. Speaking of Oscars this Movie will certainly find its way into several categories come February. With a variety of characters to choose from the supporting nods are numerous. Don Johnson’s portrayal of Big Daddy arguably is the most deserving. And though it is brief it is as memorable as Dame Judi Dench’s role as Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love, (which she went on to win the gold for). However, the Film’s glory exists not within the actors alone.
No, Cinematographer Robert Richardson and Costume Designer Sharen Davis must also be mentioned. These experts in their respective Crafts put their wares on display in Django Unchained. Said Film is Tarantino’s most picturesque yet. Never before has he grazed the open steppe with such strides, and Richardson’s eye captures each with a Painter’s stroke. As for Davis her clothing is a brilliant take on the popular workwear trend of today. Wools, leathers, cottons and furs abound. The charm of the frontier is made fashionable in every frame. Also, let us not forget the music that accompanies it. Tarantino has once more made an entertaining Soundtrack. Even the Lead, Foxx, produces a piece therein. Titled 100 Black Coffins, and performed by the Boss of the Year himself Rick Ross, it shows that the Director’s appreciation for Hip-Hop is far from over.
So too is his love for Cinema alive and well, and with his Western now under his belt it’s again time for him to return to the World of Beatrix Kiddo. Until then Fans have years to watch and re-watch Django Unchained – the Story of an unlikely Hero, one which Foxx plays like a Boss.
Alliance Films releases Django Unchained on Christmas Day.
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