Inglourious Basterds: A Screenplay

Quentin Tarantino
Little, Brown and Company (2009)  
ISBN 9780316070355
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (12/09)


I had no desire whatsoever to see the movie “Inglourious Basterds,” as World War II films seem all the same to me. They hardly ever acknowledge that not every German was a Nazi, and the ubiquitous sense of futility and defeat displayed by the persecuted characters drives me crazy. However, I also love Quentin Tarantino. “Inglourious Basterds: A Screenplay” is not like these other stories, even though the usual, expected characters are involved. Reading this screenplay was, actually, quite an enjoyable experience.

The notes on camera shots kept me in touch with what Tarantino wanted me to see, but I loved that I was also able to design my own characters’ looks, speech, and mannerisms, as well create the settings in my head. What is unique, storywise, is that civilians are allowed to make their own decisions about their actions and time of death; there were German characters as well as Nazis; and he created Allied leaders who, uncharacteristically, grant a lot of freedom to a group of cunning, violent, American soldiers. True to my expectations and Tarantino’s reputation, there are plenty of people acting on their hatred, however, that wars should have rules regarding acceptable ways to kill have always been ridiculous to my mind, so I did not find the gore in the story shocking at all. Tarantino’s writing and dialogue are easy to understand, and the entire story moves effortlessly along to what I found to be a very satisfying ending.

In World War II movies I know many of the people I am watching are going to be shot, or will let themselves be shot, and I already know the ending. “Inglourious Basterds: A Screenplay” tells a Second World War story in a new way, and is every bit as harrowing and violent as real war must be. Reading this well-written screenplay was a unique way of experiencing what Quentin Tarantino wanted me to see and learn, and while the movie has recently been nominated for a Golden Globe Award, I still have no desire to see it. I enjoyed the one this screenplay created in my mind far too much.

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