Inglorious Basterds ~ Tarantino

Tarantino uses camera shots, mise en scene and sound to create tension and suspense in the opening scenes of
Inglorious Basterds.

Script

• In the intro credits the soundtrack used has subtle tones of romance yet as the opening scene draws near the pace quickens and the volume of the soundtrack increases, this adds suspense as the audience is hinted that something is about to happen.
• The use of an extreme long shot, or establishing shot, to open the scene, positions the male protagonist in the background to appear vulnerable. Therefore the audience is instantly positioned to fear for his well-being due to the framing of the shot.
• However, the use of an axe, also identifiable by the Sound FX of metal clinking, implies that the protagonist is strong. Yet soon, in the narrative, he becomes helpless as the camera shot turns to a close up of the protagonist leaving the axe in the tree stump, emphasising the loss of his previous power, and creating tension due to his vulnerability.
• The over the shoulder shot of the protagonist allows the audience to see, in the background, the incoming threat. The framing here positions the antagonist in the distance, which could portray their relationship with the protagonist, influencing the audience to believe that they are dangerous, thus adding to the tension and suspense.
• When the antagonist first steps out of his car the use of a low angle shot gives him authority over the audience, positioning them to feel vulnerable and scared, also contributing to the overall tension.
• As well, the antagonist is dressed all in black leather, including his officer hat. As leather has connotations of power and violence, this coupled with the connotations of black with evil and death, the antagonist immediately appears sinister and daunting, and therefore creates tension as the antagonist’s presence foreshadows a horrific event.
•  The low key lighting used throughout the scene also adds tension as harsh shadows are formed across the antagonist’s face, suggesting that he is hiding dark intentions.
• The lighting also places the antagonist in shadows when at the table with the protagonist, who is sat within the only strip of light in the room. This not only emphasises the roles of the characters but also represents how the protagonist is surrounded by darkness, giving the impression of being isolated and confined; this creates tension as Tarantino is playing with the audience’s fear of being trapped, much like how Hitchcock does within his films.
• Later in the scene the shadows surrounding the protagonist eventually encase him also, adding to the suspense as this foreshadows the soon arrival of a sinister event.
• During the scene where the protagonist and antagonist are discussing the missing Jewish family, a grandfather clock is always within the frame, and often positioned in the centre. This suggests that time is of the essence and consistently poses the audience with the threat of time running out, which therefore builds tension within the scene.
• When the window is in shot it allows the audience to view the perfect weather outside. This contrasts with most thrillers which use thunder and rain to create a sinister atmosphere. However, the contrast of good weather creates uncertainty and confusion, consequently creating suspense.
• The close-ups of the window also add to the fear of imprisonment as this resembles how the audience is trapped in the house and can only see out; the use of good weather could also resemble how outside there is freedom and joy yet in the house there is evil and darkness, which creates tension and suspense.
• At the point in the narrative where the antagonist becomes suspicious of the protagonist hiding the Jewish family, the camera shots become quicker, building tension.
• The camera then steers away from the conversation by tilting below the floorboards to where the Jewish family is hiding. This creates dramatic irony as the audience now know that the Jews are there, yet the antagonist does not, which adds to the tension.
• The use of light bars along the Jew’s face gives the impression of them in a cell, suggesting that they are trapped, once again stimulating the audience’s fear of this.
• The close-up of the antagonist’s face also adds to the tension as the audience is invited to interpret his facial expression of rage, thus presenting the threat of him realising what the audience already knows about the Jewish family.
• The soundtrack introduced here gradually becomes quicker and louder, as additional operatic instruments are added such as trumpets, building the tension, until the ominous drum roll begins. Due to drum rolls having connotations of leading up to a momentous occasion, often that of an execution, further tension and suspense is formed as the audience awaits the event of death.
• A close-up of feet then entering the house also adds to the tension as the audience is restricted from viewing their faces; with the focus of the audience’s attention on the new arrival’s military boots, the characters are given a faceless embodiment of war, also creating anxiety in the audience’s minds.
• A bird’s eye view camera angle is used to position the audience as a voyeur looking down on the murder scene as the Nazi’s shoot at the Jews under the floorboards. This makes the audience feel uncomfortable as though they are spying yet unable to prevent the horrific event; which adds to the suspense, as the soundtrack is still building because the ultimate climax of the scene is not yet reached.
• The long-shot from the door, viewing the escape of the Jewish girl, positions the audience to still be trapped within the house, instigating further tension as they are not yet free.
• Finally, the scene ends with silence bar the cricket sound FX. This suggests isolation and abandonment as the audience are alone, allowing a release of tension yet the fear of being entrapped is still present with the audience.

By Elli Smart