In a recent interview with The AV Club, Kerry Washington shared her relief at the removal of a particularly brutal scene from the film “Django Unchained.” Acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino is known for his intense and graphic depictions of violence, and “Django Unchained” is no exception. What makes this film stand out, however, is the way it tackles the issue of slavery in a racially charged manner.
Washington, who played the character of Broomhilda von Shaft in the movie, stated that the removal of the assault scene was an answer to her prayers. Without delving into specific details of the scene, it can be inferred that the level of brutality portrayed would have been particularly disturbing given the film’s context.
“Django Unchained” tells the story of a freed slave named Django, played by Jamie Foxx, who teams up with a German bounty hunter, played by Christoph Waltz, to rescue his wife Broomhilda from a cruel plantation owner, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film exposes the harsh realities of slavery, highlighting the dehumanization and violence suffered by Black people during that era.
Tarantino has always been unapologetic in his approach to violence, often using it to underscore his films’ themes and narratives. In “Django Unchained,” he deliberately portrays the racialized violence to emphasize the horrors of slavery and the struggle for liberation.
While the removal of the assault scene may have tempered some of the film’s brutality, “Django Unchained” still holds a reputation for its unflinching portrayal of the dark chapters in American history. Widely recognized for its powerful performances and thought-provoking storytelling, the movie received critical acclaim upon its release in 2012.
In conclusion, Kerry Washington’s prayers were answered when Quentin Tarantino cut a particularly brutal assault scene from “Django Unchained.” The film stands out for its racialized violence, explicitly addressing the horrors of slavery in a graphic and unapologetic manner. While its removal may have tempered the overall brutality, “Django Unchained” remains a poignant exploration of a dark chapter in American history.