This film...might just be...a masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (8 May 2020)

With The Verdict by Ennio Morricone playing as the camera pans over a serene countryside - the titular sequence of Inglorious Basterds creates a false sense of security for the slow boil encounter which takes place between Hans Landa and Perrier LaPadite later in the scene. This entire Chapter was excruciatingly tense - amplified by only the sound of a ticking clock and Landa slurping a glass of milk.
I thought the inclusion of subtitles during this scene was also a very smart move to further the plot (from French subs to English & back to French again) and really increased the dramatic irony.
Christoph Waltz' portrayal of Hans Landa was impeccable. Landa speaks with such eloquence it borders on eccentricity. He is perhaps thee most well mannered villain in cinema history. Under his charming veneer- he is a sadist, and takes pride in his nickname 'The Jew Hunter'. His love of mind games is entertaining, and he is arguably one of the best antagonists since Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs.
The chapter titled "Revenge of the Big Face" was very ironic, and the entire scene of Shoshanna applying her 'war paint' and mourning veil as David Bowie "Cat People" plays in the background was genius. The lyrics were very fitting for her characters appearance/motivations and foreshadowed the final moments of the film. Her revenge story was wonderful, and it was also really nice to see a female heroine in the movie.
Wee things I loved;
-Samuel L Jackson's voiceover (almost like an infomercial)
-holographic projection of Shoshanna's face (The Wizard of Oz vibes)
-Cinderella moment between Hans Landa & Bridget Von Hammersmark, although he is certainly no Prince Charming.
-Tarantino's cameo
-the 'Who am I?' Game
-the slow mo shot of the lit cigarette
-Hammersmark's cast in the shape of a wedge
-Eli Roth's entrance/sports commentary
-the arc shot of Landa & Hammersmark in the cinema when he asks about her foot
-Brad Pitt's Italian accent
-Scarface reference
-the vying plots
-cartoonish portrayal of Hitler