Representation

Django Unchained

Django Unchained is a movie by Quentin Tarantino that was made in 2012 and is a story about a freed slave who helps a bounty hunter kill wanted people, later saving his wife from a slave owner. This film dives deeply into race, power, and historical trauma, using its characters to critique traditional narratives. Django played by Jamie Foxx and Dr. King Schultz played by Christoph Waltz, are the main characters of this film and provide an immersive lens through which the film explores slavery and the violence of white supremacy. These characters' relationship is a good divide between two different worlds one of a former slave; Django, and a German immigrant; Dr. Shultz. 

Django is introduced as an enslaved man, bound by chains both physically and socially. Later, Django reclaims his freedom, embodying a revisionist approach to the "Black hero" archetype, instead of being to the common stereotype of Black servitude as seen in many Westerns. He challenges white power by adopting the role of a hero, disrupting the system of white supremacy that oppresses him. His evolution from slave to skilled bounty hunter is extraordinary. 

In contrast, Dr. King Schultz serves as a white ally to Django, but his character is without a doubt complex. Schultz is a bounty hunter, who navigates the racist society he exists in with a distinct moral compass, disliking slavery while benefiting from the violence in his profession. His character embodies as one might describe a "moral outsider" – someone who recognizes the systemic injustice but cannot fully escape it. Schultz's mentorship of Django demonstrates a kind of cross-racial alliance. 

In the beginning of the movie which is very important because it sets the scene of the era and situation, there are many long and extreme long shots used showing slaves walking and showing the scenery. There are also uses of a rack focus and close-ups to show Django's demeanor. What is most notable for the opening scene is the non-diagetic score which was made by Luis Enriquez Bacalov. The score for the opening scene is probably one of the most famous and beautiful scores made for a film. 

Django is a very bloody movie and has many deaths. The deaths were shown very well, the way they showed gore was unique and demonstrated well. Many foley sounds were made for the scene where people were shot or crushed to death, as well as the blood gushing. The ending scene shows this very well and also displays a good use of long shots, close-ups, steadicams, and crane shots, which all help establish the setting and the character's demeanor and authority. The movement of the characters is very important in this scene, Django walks almost villainous and has quick movements when it comes to killing. Billy Crash's movement also demonstrates his anger and pain after being shot. The slaves were cautious, then quick to escape. Stephen's villainous demeanor and scared body movement. All of these movements make the last scene perfect and help tie together this extraordinary movie.