Quentin Tarantino recently disclosed that unlike popular belief, his masterpiece is not the cult classic Pulp Fiction or even Kill Bill, but rather the World War II drama Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt. This revelation came during an interview on The Church of Tarantino Podcast, where the acclaimed filmmaker spoke candidly about the movies he holds closest to his artistic heart, highlighting his personal connection to this particular film.
Tarantino’s body of work spans nine Hollywood movies to date. As he prepares for what he says will be his final tenth film, his reflections on his past projects have brought renewed attention to Inglourious Basterds as a defining achievement in his career.
What Sets Inglourious Basterds Apart in Tarantino’s Eyes
Inglourious Basterds offers a fictionalized retelling of World War II events, focusing on an elite secret team of American soldiers led by Brad Pitt, who infiltrate Nazi-occupied Europe to undermine the regime. The film’s narrative also follows Mélanie Laurent’s character, a lone survivor of a Jewish family who owns a cinema that becomes pivotal to the story’s climax.
The tension escalates when Adolf Hitler and other high-ranking Nazi officials, including Goebbels, attend a film screening at Shosanna’s theater. The theater has been rigged to explode, and as the Nazi leaders attempt to flee, the Basterds open fire, resulting in a dramatic and explosive end to the Third Reich. Though this outcome diverges significantly from historical events, the film conveys Tarantino’s vision of poetic justice.
Rooted in both personal and artistic motivation, Tarantino, who identifies as an atheist but embraces Jewish customs in honor of his family, has expressed that this film serves as a cathartic reimagining of history. This passionate approach perhaps explains why he regards Inglourious Basterds as his masterpiece rather than some of his earlier, more famous works.
Tarantino’s Take on His Favorite Films and His Legacy
During the podcast interview, Tarantino was unreserved about which movies resonated most with him, stating plainly:
‘Kill Bill’ is the movie I was born to make. ‘Inglourious Basterds’ is my masterpiece. ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ is my fave.
—Quentin Tarantino
This candid assessment upset some fans who expected Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs to top his list. While his 1994 film Pulp Fiction was indeed a landmark that cemented Tarantino’s position in Hollywood and revived John Travolta’s acting career, Tarantino’s own priorities lie elsewhere.
His acknowledgment of Inglourious Basterds as his pinnacle work underscores the emotional and thematic depth he associates with the project, distinguishing it from his other films.
The Journey Toward Tarantino’s Final Film
With the prospect of retirement after his tenth movie, Tarantino has revealed that he has abandoned the script for his previously announced project, The Movie Critic. He explained that the script felt too similar to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and voiced a desire not to end his directing career with what might be perceived as a sequel.
Additionally, the director addressed rumors questioning his confidence about this final endeavor, saying:
It’s a little crazy to listen to podcasts and hear all these amateur psychiatrists psychoanalyze as if they f**king know what they’re talking about about what’s going on with me, about how I’m so scared, alright, of my 10th film.
—Quentin Tarantino
This statement suggests Tarantino is approaching his last movie with intention and openness, determined to explore new territory rather than retread familiar themes. He is currently revisiting the storyboard phase, indicating a reset in his creative process as he prepares to take his final cinematic bow.
Implications for Tarantino’s Legacy and What Fans Can Expect
Quentin Tarantino’s decision to regard Inglourious Basterds as his masterpiece highlights a thoughtful re-evaluation of his career milestones. It invites audiences to consider his work through a different lens, appreciating the film’s complex storytelling and daring reimagining of history.
As the director works toward his tenth film, expectations are high for a fresh and innovative project that defies predictability. Tarantino’s careful reconsideration of his final movie plan suggests he aims to leave an enduring mark distinct from all that came before.
While fans await this highly anticipated finale, they can revisit Inglourious Basterds, which remains available to stream on Plex in the United States, and reflect on why Tarantino himself holds this film as the cornerstone of his career.
