Django Unchained by Quentin Tarantino

Django Unchained: Based on the Oscar Award Winning Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino

Contributions:

• Reginald Hudlin

Illustrators:

• Danijel Žeželj
• Denys Cowan
• Jason Latour
• R.M. Guéra

Synopsis:

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained stars Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz.

Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty.

The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles—dead or alive. Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men choose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South's most wanted criminals with Django by his side.

Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda, the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago. Django and Schultz's search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie, the proprietor of "Candlyand", an infamous plantation.

Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen, Candie's trusted house slave.

Their moves are marked, and a treacherous organization closes in on them. If Django and Schultz are to escape with Broomhilda, they must choose between independence and solidarity, between sacrifice and survival.

About the Author: Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Jerome Tarantino (born March 27, 1963) is a highly influential American filmmaker known for his distinct style, which includes non-linear narratives, sharp dialogue, pop culture references, graphic violence, and eclectic soundtracks.

He is a self-taught filmmaker who gained recognition with his debut feature Reservoir Dogs in 1992 and further established himself with Pulp Fiction in 1994, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Tarantino has directed a string of critically acclaimed films, including Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.

Early Life and Career:

• Born: March 27, 1963, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
• Raised: Moved to Torrance, California with his mother when he was four years old.
• Early Influences: Tarantino's love for cinema developed early, fueled by regular trips to the movies with his mother.
• Self-Taught: He learned filmmaking through extensive viewing of various genres, including Hong Kong action films, spaghetti westerns, and blaxploitation movies.
• Video Store Experience: Worked at a video store, where he immersed himself in film and developed his unique style.
• Early Screenplays: Sold screenplays for True Romance and Natural Born Killers before his directing debut.

Key Filmography:

• Reservoir Dogs (1992): His directorial debut, a crime film known for its violence and non-linear structure.
• Pulp Fiction (1994): A landmark film that cemented his status as a leading director, featuring intersecting crime stories, sharp dialogue, and a distinctive style.
• Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2003, 2004): Uma Thurman-led revenge stories that showcased his martial arts action sequences and visual style.
• Inglourious Basterds (2009): A fictionalized account of the Nazi occupation of France, earning him two Academy Award nominations.
• Django Unchained (2012): A Western film that won him another Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
• The Hateful Eight (2015): Another Western, commercially successful and nominated for several awards.
• Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019): A film about an aging actor and his stunt double in 1969 Hollywood, earning multiple Academy Award nominations.

Key Characteristics of his Style:

• Non-linear narratives: Often uses fragmented storylines and jumps in time.
• Sharp dialogue: His dialogue is known for its witty banter, philosophical discussions, and character-driven interactions.
• Pop culture references: His films are filled with references to popular culture, both cinematic and otherwise.
• Graphic violence: While known for his violent imagery, he also uses it in a stylized and often comedic way.
• Eclectic soundtracks: Tarantino's films are known for their unique and diverse soundtracks, often featuring classic rock, blues, and funk.
• Masterful pacing: He is known for his ability to create a sense of tension and anticipation.
• Playful narrative references: He often references and subverts other films and genres.
• Lush visuals: His films are known for their vibrant colors, striking compositions, and attention to detail.
• Cinematic and Artistic Reception and Reputation: Being F**king AWESOME!

Selected Awards and Recognition:

• Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay: Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay: Django Unchained (2012).
• Palme d'Or: Pulp Fiction (1994)