Why Did Tarantino Misspell Inglourious Basterds? The Shocking Truth Revealed

It’s tough to select a single favorite film of his, but Inglourious Basterds is often chosen for valid reasons. Tarantino’s World War II masterpiece stood out from other films in this genre. The movie showcased exceptionally creative language usage and challenged traditional war film clichés. It delighted in depicting the most brutal but warranted methods of annihilating Nazis. Some viewers might claim that Tarantino essentially redefined the genre with this movie, setting a bar too high, and they would be correct.

In spite of all its praise, even its most ardent supporters are left wondering: why was the title of Inglourious Basterds spelled unconventionally? The primary concern was the obvious misspellings that stood out. Additionally, movie buffs who were familiar with the old-style films that inspired Tarantino would also notice that his film bore a striking resemblance to another World War II film from 1978 in terms of title. Interestingly, there’s a simple and entertaining reason behind it all, which becomes clearer when viewed within context.

Quentin Tarantino Spelled Inglourious Basterds’ Title Wrong for Personal Reasons

The Filmmaker Will Never Reveal Why He Misspelled the Title

During an interview, Quentin Tarantino stated that he purposely misspelled the title of “Inglourious Basterds” as it is how the word is commonly pronounced. While he may have his reasons, it’s likely those will remain a secret as he has said he won’t reveal them. In an interview with another source, Tarantino suggested that the title was his tribute to the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Quentin Tarantino: Jean-Michel Basquiat attaches a ‘L’ from a hotel room sign to one of his artworks… If he explains the reason behind this act, it would be as if he hadn’t done it at all.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a significant figure in the art world during the 80s, known for his contributions to neo-expressionism and graffiti. He gained fame by integrating existing artworks and ideas into his paintings and often used them as platforms for social commentary on issues such as class and racial inequality. It’s fitting that Quentin Tarantino references Basquiat in the context of Inglourious Basterds, considering their shared themes and similar approaches to reimagining established genres with a fresh perspective and thought-provoking social messages, particularly concerning race.

Throughout all of Quentin Tarantino’s movies, racists are consistently portrayed as foolish yet dangerous beasts who needed to be eliminated. While some of his films have been more politically charged than others, it was in Inglourious Basterds that he first openly expressed his political views. This film, being Tarantino’s first period piece, served as a platform for him to make his political standings undeniably clear.

For instance, Inglourious Basterds can be seen as a fantastical revenge narrative against the Nazis. Although Tarantino gave the Nazis complexities not often explored in World War II films, he never showed them any compassion. The hardships the Nazis faced throughout the film were justified by the story’s events and historical accuracy. Post-Inglourious Basterds, Tarantino’s strong disdain for racism became a recurring theme in his period-set movies.

As a passionate film buff, I can’t help but marvel at Quentin Tarantino’s late-career masterpieces, particularly “Django Unchained” and “The Hateful Eight.” These films delivered righteous retribution to the odious slave owners and racists of the Wild West in a style that only Tarantino can deliver.

Fast forward, he once more ridiculed Nazis through Rick Dalton’s on-screen roles. Although it didn’t delve deeply into Charles Manson’s white supremacist ideologies, the film still shattered his myth by portraying his followers as pitiful misfits.

In essence, Tarantino’s later films could be seen as a form of atonement for past insensitivities towards people of color, given his controversial use of racial language in earlier works. However, it’s important to note that he has always defended himself and never apologized for his past choices. But with “Inglourious Basterds,” he began to use such language only in a historical context, and made it crystal clear that he abhors racism.

Inglourious Basterds’ Title Paid Homage to The Inglorious Bastards

Quentin Tarantino’s War Epic Had Very Little to Do With the Original Film

The title of the movie “Inglourious Basterds” is intriguing because it was inspired by an unofficial and unauthorized Italian remake called “The Inglorious Bastards,” which itself was a take on the film “The Dirty Dozen.” However, it’s important to note that Tarantino’s movie was not a remake or sequel of either of these films. Despite some similarities, such as both featuring groups of American soldiers on a violent quest against Nazis and humanizing some Nazi characters while depicting others as faceless enemies, the movies are fundamentally different in their storylines and themes.

Although there was something enjoyable about the nostalgic and inaccurate portrayals of World War II in old movies, The Inglorious Bastards didn’t stand out in any remarkable way. It hardly concealed its intent to imitate a more renowned work. Even disregarding that, the movie was just another run-of-the-mill wartime escapade featuring an unpleasant group of protagonists on a doomed mission to combat Nazis. Such films were quite prevalent during the ’70s, given the success of The Dirty Dozen in 1967. The Inglorious Bastards’ only notable connection was its link to Tarantino’s movie, which was released approximately three decades later.

It’s no wonder Tarantino held _The Inglorious Bastards_ in high regard, as it was this very movie that sparked his passion for the genre often derided as “trashy cinema” or “low art.” Unlike some of its contemporaries like _Shaft_ or _Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!_ that are more closely associated with specific eras, _The Inglorious Bastards_ remains a classic example of the pulpy, gritty films that have influenced Tarantino’s unique writing and directing style. As a testament to his admiration, he even cast one of its stars and the director themselves in _Inglourious Basterds_.

Inglourious Basterds Featured 2 of the Original Bastards

The Film Gave Cameos to the Original Film’s Star and Director

In the movie “Inglourious Basterds,” Bo Svenson played Lieutenant Robert Yeager, who acted as the de facto leader of the team. In the film, Svenson portrayed an American colonel featured in a Nazi propaganda poster called “Nation’s Pride” (or “Stolz der Nation”). During this movie scene, Svenson’s character gave an order to spare a historically significant church tower that Fredrick Zoller had transformed into a lethal sniper’s nest. Scenes with Svenson’s cameo were included when the propaganda poster was displayed. The full performance by Svenson can be found in the extended version of “Nation’s Pride,” which is available as bonus material on the DVD.

In Quentin Tarantino’s World War II movie, “Inglorious Bastards,” the director, Enzo G. Castellari, made a cameo appearance as one of the high-ranking, unnamed Nazi officers at the fateful premiere of “Nation’s Pride.” Although his character was titled “Obergruppenfuhrer” (essentially a senior leader), he was the first to notice the fire in the cinema. Regrettably, Castellari’s only dialogue scene in the film didn’t make it into the final version. However, you can catch a glimpse of him in the background of some wide shots, particularly during Aldo Raine’s encounter with Hans Landa in the theater lobby. This cameo can be found in the DVD’s bonus features.

It’s important to mention that, as shared by Eli Roth in the bonus documentary “The Original Inglorious Basterds” (available on DVD), Castellari gave Tarantino permission to use his movie’s title under two specific circumstances. First, Castellari would make a brief appearance in Tarantino’s film. Second, his character would shout “Fire!” just as he did in his initial film. In the movie The Inglorious Bastards, the director made a cameo as a Nazi officer who commanded his soldiers to fire a mortar round. Happily, Tarantino met both conditions. Additionally, he paid tribute again through the name of Aldo’s disguise, a filmmaker named Enzo G. Girolami. Not long after, Castellari reciprocated by naming his 2010 film Caribbean Basterds. However, unlike Inglourious Basterds, this movie was a modern crime thriller instead of a historical war drama.

Inglourious Basterds is now available to watch and own physically and digitally.

2025-05-18 05:06