Django Unchained: A Detailed Description
Overview
Django Unchained is a 2012 American revisionist Western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson, with Walton Goggins, Dennis Christopher, James Remar, Michael Parks, and Don Johnson in supporting roles.
Plot Summary
Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained follows the story of Django (Jamie Foxx), a slave who is freed by Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), a German dentist-turned-bounty hunter. Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers and needs Django’s help to capture them. In return for his assistance, Schultz promises to free Django once the mission is complete.
As they embark on their journey, Django and Schultz develop a strong bond and decide not to part ways after the initial mission. Instead, they seek out the South’s most wanted criminals, with Django honing his hunting skills and remaining focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago.
Their search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation. Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson), 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.
Cast and Crew
Main Cast
Jamie Foxx as Django Freeman: The titular ex-slave who gives himself the name Django Freeman after being emancipated from the shackles of slavery. Foxx won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic Ray and has also starred in Collateral and Dreamgirls.
Christoph Waltz as Dr. King Schultz: A German dentist-turned-bounty hunter who frees Django and becomes his mentor. Waltz won an Oscar for his role in Django Unchained and has also starred in Inglourious Basterds.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Calvin Candie: The proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation. DiCaprio is known for his roles in J. Edgar and Titanic – 25 Year Anniversary.
Kerry Washington as Broomhilda von Shaft: Django’s wife who was sold into slavery. Washington is known for her roles in The Last King of Scotland and Little Man.
Samuel L. Jackson as Stephen: Calvin Candie’s sinister house slave. Jackson had previously worked with Quentin Tarantino on Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown.
Supporting Cast
James Remar as Ace Speck and Butch Pooch: Django’s former owner and Candie’s bodyguard, respectively. Remar is best known for playing Ajax in The Warriors and Harry Morgan in Dexter.
M.C. Gainey as Big John Brittle: The first of many bounties Django brings in. Gainey is best known for playing Tom Friendly in Lost and Earl “Swamp Thing” Williams in Con Air.
Laura Cayouette as Lara Lee Candie-Fitzwilly: Calvin Candie’s sister. Cayouette is known for her recurring role as Marlene in Queen Sugar and has also written the Charlotte Reade Mysteries series.
Crew
Quentin Tarantino: The director and writer of the film. Tarantino is known for his work on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Hateful Eight.
Robert Richardson: The cinematographer of the film. Richardson has worked on several films, including Inglourious Basterds and The Hateful Eight.
Fred Raskin: The editor of the film. Raskin has worked on several films, including Inglourious Basterds and The Hateful Eight.
Production Details
Release Date: The film was released nationwide on Tuesday, December 25, 2012.
Runtime: The film has a runtime of 165 minutes (2 hours and 45 minutes).
Budget: The estimated budget for the film was $100 million.
Box Office: The film grossed $426 million worldwide, with $162.8 million of that coming from the United States and Canada.
Movie Poster and Artwork
The movie poster for Django Unchained features a striking image that captures the essence of the film. The poster typically includes the main cast members, with Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz prominently featured. The background often includes elements of the Old West, such as saloons and horses, which are characteristic of the Western genre. The color scheme is often dark and gritty, reflecting the film’s themes of violence and slavery.
Fans of the film can purchase various forms of artwork, including framed prints and canvas prints, which can be hung in their homes as a tribute to the movie. These prints often feature key scenes from the film, such as Django and Schultz’s initial meeting or the intense gunfight at Candyland. The artwork can be customized to include quotes or other elements that make it a unique piece of media art.
Reception and Awards
Django Unchained received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success. The film won two Oscars, with Christoph Waltz winning Best Supporting Actor and Quentin Tarantino winning Best Original Screenplay. The film also received 58 wins and 158 nominations in total, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
Trivia and Goofs
Accidental Injury: During a scene where Calvin Candie smashes his hand on the dinner table, Leonardo DiCaprio accidentally crushed a small stemmed glass with his palm and began to bleed. Despite the injury, DiCaprio stayed in character and continued with the scene, which impressed Quentin Tarantino so much that he used that take in the final print.
Historical Inaccuracy: The film features dynamite, which was not invented until 1867. The film is set in 1858, making this a historical inaccuracy.
Conclusion
Django Unchained is a masterful blend of action, drama, and historical fiction, set against the backdrop of the Antebellum South. With a star-studded cast and a direction that pays homage to the Spaghetti Western genre, the film is a must-watch for anyone interested in cinematic storytelling. The film’s impact extends beyond the screen, with its themes of slavery, freedom, and solidarity continuing to resonate with audiences today. Whether you’re a fan of framed prints or canvas prints, there are numerous ways to celebrate this iconic film in your home.
