Movies

Is Inglourious Basterds Really Better Than Pulp Fiction? The Shocking Truth!

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It’s hard to believe, but some folks assert that “Pulp Fiction” isn’t Quentin Tarantino’s top film.

As a cinephile, I’m open-minded and love hearing diverse perspectives. Many folks I know believe that “Inglourious Basterds” is Quentin Tarantino’s magnum opus – a film I can’t help but agree with, given its unique blend of style, substance, and suspense.

Indeed, it’s clear that you appreciate this film. To put it another way, it’s truly outstanding. My comrade, Eric Eisenberg, even ranked all of Tarantino’s films and placed “Inglourious Basterds” as his second favorite. This seems reasonable to me, but let me dig deeper. Could it be possible that “Inglourious Basterds” is Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece?

Short Answer, No

Recently, I re-watched “Inglourious Basterds” to see if my initial impressions were correct, and while I was just as captivated this time around as during my previous viewings, I must admit that it still doesn’t surpass “Pulp Fiction.” The main reason for this is the uneven tone of the movie.

It appears as though “Inglourious Basterds” is attempting to blend together two distinct types of films. The movie showcases some of Quentin Tarantino’s most dramatic and intense scenes ever, many of which feature Christoph Waltz, a topic I will discuss further ahead.

However, there are certain scenes that seem quite exaggerated, featuring characters like Brad Pitt as Lt. Aldo Raine and Eli Roth as “The Bear Jew.” Now, it’s important to clarify that I adore these characters (and I’ll discuss them further later), but they tend to contrast sharply with the more serious moments in this movie.

Some folks find no issue with this, but I certainly do. Indeed, Tarantino’s films are generally delightful, even Death Proof. However, I believe that in certain aspects, the film is somewhat confined by Tarantino’s distinctive style, particularly during dramatic scenes, whereas Pulp Fiction doesn’t face such constraints. In truth, his style reaches its peak in Pulp Fiction, which may be why it catapulted him to fame (though Reservoir Dogs could have achieved the same over time).

I genuinely enjoy “Inglourious Basterds,” but I believe its fluctuating tone (Is it serious or light-hearted? Which one is it?) prevents it from surpassing “Pulp Fiction” as Tarantino’s greatest work. “Pulp Fiction” maintains a more uniform quality all the way through. Regardless,…

I Will Say That Tarantino’s Best Character Is In This Movie With Hans Landa

I firmly believe that “Pulp Fiction” stands out as Samuel L. Jackson’s most outstanding performance, with no other movie coming close. However, it’s important to note that there are numerous remarkable characters and scenes in this film that make it difficult to single out any one character as the standout star.

In contrast to other films like Inglourious Basterds, it doesn’t apply that every character is equally remarkable; instead, Christoph Waltz masterfully outshines the entire movie. To put it simply, his acting earned him an Oscar, and rightly so.

In my opinion, one of the most remarkable scenes in this film stands out as exceptional, and it’s undoubtedly the opening sequence featuring SS-Standartenfuhrer Hans Landa, portrayed by Christoph Waltz. This scene, where he questions a dairy farmer who harbors Jews beneath his floorboards, is not just the finest moment in the entire movie, but arguably the greatest moment in any film directed by Quentin Tarantino to date.

Speaking as a fan of Hitchcock’s work, I find this scene strikingly reminiscent of his style, given its intense tension. The knowledge that Jewish individuals are hidden beneath him creates an immediate hook, drawing you into the film. You can hardly avoid being on the edge of your seat whenever Waltz appears on screen.

This film’s balance seems to work against it for me, as Landa, who is incredibly charming, makes the movie turn extremely serious whenever he appears on screen. However, when most other characters are present, the tone becomes lighter and more playful (in a positive manner). It’s somewhat unfortunate that Tarantino’s most memorable character (in my view) shares the same film with Lt. Aldo Raine. Nevertheless, I don’t dislike Brad Pitt in this movie. In fact…

All Of The Characters In This Film Stand Out

Although it may seem like I’m heavily criticizing this movie at times, I want to clarify that isn’t the case. This film is not my personal number two favorite Quentin Tarantino movie (that title goes to “The Hateful Eight“), but I am confident in calling it one of Tarantino’s top films. The reason being is the array of unique and memorable characters, each one distinct and captivating.

As a passionate cinephile, I must admit that Landa is unquestionably captivating, but allow me to express my deep affection for the other remarkable characters gracing this cinematic masterpiece. One such character is Raine, who miraculously endured a lynching and bears the indelible mark of her ordeal on her person.

Another unforgettable character is Shosanna Dreyfus, portrayed by Melanie Laurent. She’s the solitary survivor from the movie’s opening scenes and manages to exact a satisfying retribution by the film’s conclusion. Her storyline is equally compelling and adds depth to this remarkable production. Truly, she is a character to remember.

In this movie, I was first introduced to Michael Fassbender, and I’m confident that many others were too. He delivers a short yet impactful performance as a British soldier and former film critic aiding the Basterds. One of my favorite scenes in the film features him, taking place in a tavern filled with German soldiers.

As a film enthusiast, I certainly can’t forget Daniel Brühl, the actor portraying the German sniper whose life story is being adapted for the big screen. His character is skillfully crafted to be both admirable and a touch comical – a fascinating juxtaposition that echoes the contrasting tone I previously mentioned.

To be straightforward, I find “Inglourious Basterds” to be a film with some truly remarkable individual scenes, yet the sum of its parts doesn’t quite equate to the overall impression. Nonetheless…

It Has What Might Be Tarantino’s Most Satisfying Third Act

Throughout every moment, the film “Pulp Fiction” proves highly rewarding. Its intricate structure creates the sensation of embarking on an authentic adventure, leaving nothing in the narrative I’d alter.

The film “Basterds” stands out distinctly. It shares a sense of journey, but not quite like the fulfilling one found in works of traditional fiction. Nevertheless, I must acknowledge that its final act is exceptionally gratifying among all Tarantino’s films, primarily because it climaxes with some audacious reinterpretation of historical events.

Initially, when I watched this film, I was taken aback and couldn’t quite grasp my thoughts. The unexpected ending where Hitler and Goebbels both perish left me utterly surprised. In truth, they didn’t meet such a fate in real life, so I hadn’t anticipated it.

Knowing that’s how the movie concludes, it’s incredibly gratifying – just like with “Django Unchained” and “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.” However, I find the latter less satisfying (I might explore why in a future post). Intriguingly, “Inglourious Basterds” manipulates historical facts, making its conclusion far more cathartic than reality.

In this film, I believe the ending is particularly effective. The main character, being the only survivor from the start, gets to have the final chuckle as the cinema catches fire, and this moment fills me with such satisfaction that I almost find myself ready to declare it his finest work. However, it’s important to note…

Inglourious Basterds Still Doesn’t Have The Megaton Impact Or Storytelling Of Pulp Fiction

While discussing the general quality of both films is crucial, it’s equally important to take into account the significant influence or impression that these movies have left on Tarantino himself.

It’s essential to note that “Pulp Fiction” held a greater impact on Tarantino’s career progression than “Inglourious Basterds,” a fact noteworthy in comparison to directors like Martin Scorsese. For instance, consider a filmmaker such as Scorsese. Indeed, he produced numerous outstanding films during the ’80s and ’90s (“Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy” are my personal favorites among his works).

In summary, it’s widely believed that Scorsese’s masterpiece is “Goodfellas” from 1990, a film that has significantly contributed to his reputation for gangster movies, despite many of his other works not being related to the mafia.

Similar thoughts apply to Pulp Fiction. This is the film that serves as a benchmark for comparing all of Tarantino’s other works, and rightfully so.

Actually, “Inglourious Basterds” isn’t Tarantino’s top film, but it’s certainly not the worst. In truth, it’s quite a strong contender in his collection of movies.

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2025-06-23 14:09

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