DJANGO MOVES. TARANTINO? NOT SO MUCH

Jackson, Tarantino, Washington, Foxx and Waltz at premiere (l to r)

After much praise from  my from my peers,I conceded and saw DJANGO  staring Oscar winner, Jamie  Foxx ( Best Actor, Ray). I have been vehemently opposed to watching Quentin Tarantino films for some time now. I am appalled by his repeated use of the word "nigger" in his films, how out of context it is used on most occasions and how the media seems to never brand him as controversial as the milder Spike Lee. I admit that I admire Lee's works. He and Tarantino have distinctly different styles.

Spike Lee was critical of Django

I admit to being partial to Lee's story in movies like Jungle Fever and She Hate Me. Whether a story of racial divide between the communities of two unlikely lovers or the over-the-top depiction of an educated, yet morally flawed, corporate whistle blower, Lee brings to life the relevant, but hidden side of our human life. Tarantino, on the other hand, with gems such as Pulp Fiction and From Dusk To Dawn, explores the more macabre and diabolical.. His works depict the rare, and unfathomable sides of humanity with pedophilic murderers and gory, scenic details that rival horror director Robert Rodriguez

Nevertheless, I was impressed by the art and flow of the film, the story line and the acting. Christoph Waltz (Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards) was simply brilliant. He debunked the criticism of being the only White nominee and eventual winner of an Oscar ( Best Supporting) in his role as the German, bounty hunter Dr. Schultz. He carried the film almost single-handed. Foxx, played the familiar role as an angry, Black man with limited self-control. Foxx's acting performance was still noteworthy.He gave Djamgo, a uncanny intelligent and timing becoming a lead man. The character needed more depth and cooperation. Django had the potential to in the African American film community to be a cult icon like  Michael Corleone orTony Montana. Leonardo DiCarprio (Calvin Candie), was in usual overrated fashion, sexy but, flat.

Waltz collects his second Oscar

Some critics had lobbied for Samuel L. Jackson to receive more acclaim for his role as a house slave named Stephan, but it is unwarranted. Unlike, Denzel Washington (Training Day) and Halle Berry (Monster's Ball), Jackson didn't sell me on the "infamous role by the good guy" act. Perhaps, his body of work is too extensive to make such an abrupt transition from what has been delivered and now expected of the Morehouse grad. He's too phenomenal an actor and beloved a hero for such a belittling and limited role.

Overall, the idea of a Black slave killing a bunch of White folks would pay cinematic or psychological reparations, is shamefully false. In typical Tarantino fashion, the idea and reality of slavery and the relationship of Afro-America to Anglo-America is rendered a mere horror-comedy. I believe that real relationship is more of a tragic love tale that continues to be spun. Black people, to most White American relief, are not willing or wanting to kill White people or reverse roles in such monstrous acts of terrorism for retribution or retaliation. And the movie does little to right the wrongs that Tarantino has made toward Blacks in his previous films particularly with the graphic and despicable scene of dogs devouring an unwilling Mandingo slave. In his defense, however the non-education of the true Black experience is not his fault alone or his cross to bear per se.

Nevertheless, a few more positives for Tarantino, who tends to make cameos in his films, is the anachronic use of late rapper Tupac Shakur in his soundtrack during the climatic fight scene, the ability to get renowned actress, Kerrie Washington (ABC's Scandal) to go semi nude and the fact that he, himself, played an Australian mining hand, outwitted and blow up by Django Freedman (Foxx). The purity and rare on-screen afro-centricity of the love story between Foxx and Washington (Broomhilda Van Schaft) was priceless and well received. I count this film as a sold start to Tarantino making amends, but not good enough. I humbly admit that I still find Spike Lee a more superior director than Tarantino. However, subtle, Quentin has begun to finally earn my respect. I give it 4 of out of 5 stars.