‘Django’ causes controversy

“Django Unchained” is causing much controversy and hype among movie critics. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the film is full of violence and dark humor. Like Tarantino’s other films, there are several scenes that, for some, are almost too graphic for viewing. The question that is getting tossed around is if violent films, such as most of Tarantino’s work, are to blame for the violence that happens in reality.

In an interview with Channel Four News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Tarantino refused to answer any questions about the relation between film violence and real violence.

“I’ve explained this many times in 20 years, but I just refuse to repeat myself over and over again because you want me to for you and your show and your ratings,” Tarantino said.

The comedy-drama stars Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington, Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio. Foxx plays Django, a freed slave in search of his wife, played by Washington. Django and Dr. King Schultz (Waltz) scour  the state of Mississippi in hopes of rescuing her from the Candie Mansion, a large slave plantation.

Tarantino’s rant did not harm its box office status, however. In fact, it may have brought more attention to the film. The film is being accused of overusing racial slurs and racial abuse and of exalting violence, but Tarantino does an epic job of capturing the torture slaves had to experience.

The story portrayed did not actually happen, though. Tarantino was simply attempting to direct the movie how he best saw fit, meaning he depicted slavery on plantations as he thought it would have been. In my opinion, the movie is among the first to come even close to capturing the magnitude of slavery. This is a Tarantino film, after all. What else would you expect except violence and bad language?

Getting away from all of the controversy, the film itself rates among the best of 2012. Although several parts are funny, I caught myself on the edge of my seat with all of the tension and drama. This film is 165 minutes of pure intensity. “Django Unchained” kept me wanting to know more about Django and the kind German man who freed him.

Better actors could not have been cast. It is as if each was specifically groomed for their roles. The film won the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay, and Waltz won for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.

If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I highly suggest you do so.