An Inglourious Soundtrack

Inglourious Basterds Movie Poster

I recently went to go see the new Quentin Taratino movie, Inglourious Basterds. Regardless of whether or not you sleep, dreaming of Brad Pitt, you will enjoy this movie. It’s dynamic, smart, funny, moving and just plain fun. But I am not writing this to convince you to drop a day’s salary at the box office or to take my best shot at putting Mr. Ebert out of business. I rather, want to talk about music.

Have you ever watched a film and thought, if only they hadn’t used that cheesy pop song during the final kiss? Or watched a preview and wondered how much the director’s friend paid to showcase his daughter’s new hit single? Now, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of movies that I see and thoroughly enjoy because of the soundtrack. Take ‘Outside Providence’ for example. That movie is entertaining and well done, but is remembered for its soundtrack. The difference between that and the music that Quentin Taratino uses is simple. Quentin Taratino doesn’t make soundtracks, he makes scenes. And Inglourious Basterds did not disappoint.

There is one scene that stuck out in my mind and if you’ve seen the flick or plan to, you’ll know what I am talking about. Without giving too much away, a young woman is putting on her blood red lipstick to match her blood red dress, as David Bowie bellows Putting Out Fire.  It is ironic, moving and as most David Bowie songs, can’t be ignored. This scene, without a doubt, would not be nearly as memorable with any other song.

So while buying a Quentin Taratino soundtrack is more like buying a mix-tape, watching a Quentin Taratino scene is like watching Moses part the Red Sea to Another Brick In The Wall and is absolutely epic.

Inglourious Basterds = 2 thumbs up.

- H.F.