Django Unchained: That You Can Believe!

Django Unchained (2012) was Quentin Tarantino's first venture into the "Spaghetti Western" genre. In this slave era drama, we see Django (Jamie Foxx) attempt to free his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from the plantation known as "Candyland". With the help of Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), they try and fool Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) into agreeing to let them purchase broomhilda along with a fighter used in Mandingo fighting. This culminates in Calvin being informed of the ruse via his slave Stephen (Samuel L Jackson). What follows is a tense scene in which we can observe interesting and subtle uses of mise en scène.

Dinner is served

Like the films we have discussed prior to this one, Tarantino once again employs "authentic locations"(65) and periodically correct props and costumes to help flesh out his world. The table set pieces and cutlery show just how much attention has been paid to maintaining this period atmosphere. The low lighting illuminates the shot just enough for characters to be visible, but kept low enough to give the feel of candle light. These table settings are also examples of "private mise en scène"(64) as their lavishness is true to what would be expected for a wealthy slave trader would utilize to decorate his home.

Another example of an "instrument prop"(72) is shown with Candie hammer, however more interesting to note is Tarantino's attempt to turn a person into a prop. With Calvin's ownership of Broomhilda made very apparent, she becomes a "metaphorical prop"(72) being utilized for an "unexpected purpose" as a bargaining chip. This transformation from actor to prop helps to offer understanding of the situation and the era in which the movie is set. Slaves were seen as property, not far removed from tools. Broomhilda is seen as an asset by Calvin, something he can utilize to get his way in the "negotiations".

One very interesting choice is the use of real blood in the final take of the scene. In slamming his hand down on the table, Calvin smashes his hand through a glass. This was not scripted and Leonardo DiCaprio chose to continue on. With real blood flowing from his hand, Leonardo chose to use this to prove his ownership of Broomhilda by smearing it all over her face. While being a fantastic testament to Leonardo's class as an actor, it is also a device which aids once again in illustrating the control he has and reiterating the time period. His control as a white man and a slaver in this era is so absolute he can smear blood all over her face with no repercussions.  This brings an end to the Mise en Scène spotlight for this month, be sure to check to see who is under the spotlight next month!