By Open Book
Quentin Tarantino debut trailer at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival this year entitled Django Unchained could stir some much needed or unwanted debate on a touchy subject. Slavery is still a sore subject in the US. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Leonardo Di Caprio and opens Christmas Day. So far the audience’s reactions have been positive. Do you think this film will start positive or negative dialogue on a taboo subject?
Slavery ended in 1865 in the US. The period of reconstruction then ended in 1877. According to an article Effects of Slavery Today suggest we have created an environment that suppresses the issue. It states,
“The new millennium has created an environment that suppresses many healthy discussions in order to remain “PC”, or politically correct.”
They go on to state,
“Without a doubt, the biggest blight on our history is slavery. For most Whites, the shame of this period in our history continues, while many Blacks still feel oppressed and angry. Not surprisingly, most discussions today are taking place within the Black community, although electing our first Black President has broadened the commentary on the issue.”[1]
Will Quentin Tarantino open up some healthy debates on a 145 year old wound? What are your thoughts?
Please join us for an open discussion 6/12/2012-6/13/2012
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Honestly, I’m tired of all this walking on egg shells, PC stuff. It has kept us from talking about real issues. It is possible to talk about touchy subjects and be respectful. It doesn’t have to be a mudslinging even that requires political correctness. yes people may be offended, but like the saying goes, you are never going to please everyone all of the time. Deal with it, you know?
OB, what do you think of the trailer? Are you looking forward to this film? Do you think Tarantino has broached the topic of slavery in a positive way?
LB-
U Said: “I’m tired of all this walking on egg shells, PC stuff. It has kept us from talking about real issues.”
Me: I love u for saying that…ITA we can’t be afraid to learn or take responsibility for our actions. However, some people are afraid of being found out they knowingly got where they are by hurting others. Simply put, they are fearful of The BIG PAYBACK. LOL!!
Well I’m psyched about it!! QT I’m a fan of his work and interested in how he handles the issue. So far the trailer looks funny, compelling and seems to empower African Americans in a way u don’t often see especially regarding slavery. I know some AA’s were a little apprehensive about this film but it looks good so far and I think it will stir some interesting debates.
Ahhh, Quentin.
Never thought I would hear it but Johnny Cash and James Brown in the same sound track; what a genius?
Welcome back CR!
yes, isn’t it amazing! I am so glad we had the article on how trailers get made. The scenes chosen and the music used to enhance the film is fantastic.
OB,
Do you happen to know which group created this trailer? I have watched it a handful of times just because if I were to never see the film, I would feel satisfied with the trailer alone. 🙂 I think Quentin just gets better and better.
Oh and I WILL be purchasing the soundtrack.
LB,
I agree about Quentin 100%. It’s interesting how he is building a reputation of substance one film at a time.
LB, thanks for the greeting.
LB-
Great question. I’m not sure who made the trailer for Django. Usually this information is not readily made available until after the films opened in theaters. Why? Before the film comes out the verdict is still out if the marketing was a hit or failure.
“Django. The D is silent.” hahahahaha!!!!! I love it, I love it, I love it!!!!
OB,
Excellent article! This film looks great. I love Christoph and Leo. Jamie Foxx, I remember him from Ray. I think he is an excellent actor as well. i’m glad the film is being made because its time to be able to put differences aside. Not just for whites and blacks but for all ethnicities and cultures.
I also think that the movie will stir up debates because of current issues affecting our society today. (The Trayvon Martin case as well as the KKK wanting to adopt a highway)
What do you think?
Um…whoa. did NOT know about the KKK wanting to adopt a highway.
yep. its pretty recent. I think its had a couple plays on CNN.
Hi Paris!
U said: “i’m glad the film is being made because its time to be able to put differences aside. Not just for whites and blacks but for all ethnicities and cultures.”
Me: AMEN!! To that….:) IMO! bigotry, prejudice and discrimination are ugly no matter who’s serving it up. Meaning these acts are far from Godliness and should never be allowed to breed. GOD has given us all power. Its up to us how we choose to use it. We can use it to either serve or hurt people.
Furthermore, choosing to serve others not only advances the person u are helping but society as well. Choosing to hurt others kills you and progress. O.k. I’m stepping off my soap box now…… :0)
OB,
This would be Tarrantino’s second film where he took on an issue possibly too hot for a director who was as the same ethnicity as the film’s protagonist.
Could you ever claim the film was motivated by opportunism?
Or is not do you think heartfelt activism (as it might be in this example) is contagious?
Hi CR!
Hmm! Can u elaborate a bit more? I’m not sure what u mean by these two statements.
THANK YOU!!!!!
I was distracted and chose the wrong word, SORRY. “Opportunism” was a definite mistake and I don’t even know how to place that choice now. Despite the wrong word I was afterall, asking a question? Anyway, here’s an illustration of what I really meant to say.
Tarrantino in both “Inglorious Bastards” and “Django” reminds me of Ridley Scott’s work in “Thelma and Louise.”
Ah! I gotcha!! I think. Let me see if I understand u? Are u suggesting if u are a filmmaker of the same ethnicity as the taboo subject matter u are depicting. There is potential for personal interest to influence the work? Meaning its impossible to be fully objective?
Frequently that is the charge. I’ll try to provide some examples
I’ll try this one more time.
As with “Thelma and Louise” having a white male director produce a feminist movie saves women directors from either being called sensitive, emotional, or militant. This is a favor worth applauding.
Unfortunately neither Steven Speilberg nor Gus Van Sant had this favor performed for them.
Steven Speilberg’s “Munich”
Gus Van Sant’s “Milk.”
What I like about Tarrantino is his encyclopedic knowledge of 70’s schlock movies. That was demonstrated by his hunger to resurrect the career of actress and Black exploitation goddess Pam Greer for “Jackie Brown.” Fortunately he brought her back as a mature detective and replaced the name “Foxy” with the less sexual and more neutral “Jackie.”
Speaking of encyclopedic knowledge of 70’s schlock movies, clearly he’s a scholar of spaghetti westerns too. Ignoring the obvious substitutions, surely Tarrantino was a fan of the original Django.
hahahahaha!!!! Those “violent” scenes were pretty hilarious. Thanks for finding this CR. I had no idea there was an original. Do we know whatever happened to Franco Nero???
Also, I see a potential article explaining “70s schlock and spaghetti western” films. I am really not familiar but am curious about Tarantino’s inspiration. 🙂
CR!
I was wondering how long it was going to take someone to bring up the original Django. LOL!! U won the prize. However, just so everyone knows. QT film is nothing like the original. The name is the only thing he borrowed. I think this adds to the absurdity of QT’s version, which I love even more.
“I think this adds to the absurdity of QT’s version, which I love even more.”
Like I said before I think he’s a genius.
Thanks LB,
Obviously, in terms of abusive advances in film realism we have a lot to teach them about “violent scenes.”
I hope we eventually address the topic of horror movies too.
CR & LB- U two are on….. I’m thinking Horror & 70’s Spaghetti Westerns. A match made in heaven.