Let me explain Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds as simplistic as possible: petrifying.
Ten minutes into the movie I was haunted by his ominous aura that carries throughout the story. His performance as the sinister Col. Hans Landa is the driving force in Basterds and he summons the audience’s attention with a compelling psyche. For this he deserves a standing ovation.
Hands down, Tarantino’s gift as a writer/director has Waltz gliding down our spine, seeps into the center core and loops into a knot with no exit. Furthermore, Waltz paired with Melanie Laurent, who plays Shosanna Dreyfus, is like a portrayal of heaven and hell battling in an Inferno. Their personas in the film are indeed complex.
Yes, Waltz subdued Brad Pitt’s stardom in the movie. No, I do not understand why Mike Myers had any business standing next to a fine cast of actors…
Inglourious Basterds is a Nazi flick rich in pacing, color and plot. But without Waltz, Inglourious Basterds would not be as superbly compelling.
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