Why "Inglourious Basterds" is Still Quentin Tarantino's Best Film

Scene from Inglourious Basterds

For Quentin Tarantino, the year 2009 was a turning point for his career that at the time seemed unexpected. With the success of Pulp Fiction now 15 years behind him, his three films since were a mix of underappreciated (Jackie Brown) and more stylized (Kill Bill). He still had the knack to entertain audiences, but what exactly was his defining achievements in his career? With Inglourious Basterds, he did something unfathomable. He didn't just dive into genre, this time taking on the World War II action films, he found a way to remind audiences that he was a gifted writer, capable of pushing boundaries that hadn't been seen in over a decade. He had the style, but Inglourious Basterds proved that he was capable of being an auteur, kicking off a decade of repurposing history through cinema to explore some of the most important themes of the 21st century, but with plenty more razzle-dazzle.

A24 A-to-Z: #6. "Enemy" (2014)

Left to right: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jake Gyllenhaal

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.