Django Unchained: Antebellum Era In The Deep South?
To What Extent Does the Film Django Unchained Accurately Portray what Slavery was like in the Antebellum Era in the Deep South?
Slavery in the United States- as defined by law- started in the 1670s, and it lasted almost 200 years, before it legally ended in 1865. It is no secret that slave life was harsh, miserable, and filled with pain and suffering. Slaves were not seen as people, but as property. The time of slavery is one of- if not the darkest time in American history. In 2012 an American western- adventure film entitled Django Unchained, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, was released. The film primarily takes place during the pre-Civil War South (mainly in the year 1858). It is set in the antebellum era of the Deep South. (Source A) Using the film (source A), as well as various other sources, the extent to which Django …show more content…
Unchained accurately portrays what slavery was like during the antebellum era in the Deep South.
The main plot and theme of the film will first be discussed.
Django Unchained follows an African-American slave, Django, and an English-speaking, German bounty hunter, posing as a traveling dentist, named Dr Shultz. In exchange for helping Dr Schultz collect a large bounty on three outlaws (hiding-in-plain-sight in the south, working in the slave trade) that he has never seen – but Django has, while being trafficked – Dr Schultz buys and then promises to free Django after they catch the outlaws the following spring. Dr Schultz also promises to teach Django bounty hunting, and split the bounties with him, if Django assists him in hunting down other outlaws throughout the winter, on the way south. Django agrees – on the condition that they also locate and free his long-lost wife from her cruel plantation owner. Throughout the film, flashbacks of Django’s past are shown, as well as various scenes and shots of other slaves and their treatment. The film is very stylised and controversial in the fact that the lives of the slaves are shown as being horrendous, almost unbelievably so, that the accuracy of the film is very much debated. (source C)
The aspects of the film that will now be discussed will be in chronological order in relation to the film.
The film begins with a group of slaves that are shackled together, walking a very long distance, over vast and various landscapes. They are being taken by two slave-sellers to where it is assumed they will be sold. The slaves are in very little clothing- they only wear thin, short, pants- with no shirt or shoes, or any other form of protection. When the landscape changes from dessert-like and very hot, to freezing, the slaves are only given very thin blankets that seem to be made of very uncomfortable material. While travelling one night, the group are stopped by Dr Schultz, who pretends to take interest in buying the slaves- even though the slavers are not interested in selling them to Dr Shultz. After the doctor confirms that Django is a part of the group, he kills one of the slavers and releases the slaves. He then convinces Django to accompany him in order to assist him in finding three outlaws of which Django knows of. A shot of Django’s heavily scarred back is shown. (Source A) (Source A-3)
This scene is very accurate in the way in which the slaves were chained together and had to travel long distances with little clothing. (Sources D-2 & J-3).(Source G) The image of Django’s scarred back is also very true to the time. Whippings were very common punishment during the slave times. Whipping was used as a punishment for a range of misdemeanours such as refusing to work, ‘sassing’ slave masters or fighting with fellow slaves. (Source G) A very popular photograph of a slave named Peter’s scarred back can be seen in source B-1.
During the film, while Django and Schultz travel together various details are noted. Django does not know how to read and often does not understand what Dr Shultz says. (Source A) This was true for most slaves of the time. It was often very dangerous for a slave to be educated. When moving through a town a shot of gallows is shown. Hangings and lynching were very popular at the time, and thousands of slave deaths were caused by them. (Source B-2)
The term ‘nigger’ is also used excessively throughout the film. The term was first used as a derogatory word in the early 1800’s, and therefore was in fact used during the time in which the film is set. However; the term ‘Negro’ was more popular at the time.
In one of the first flashbacks seen in the film, Django remembers being restrained in a medieval-looking metal-mask device. A plantation owner tells one of his white workers to put “...a run-away ‘R’” on Django’s cheek, as well as Django’s wife (Broomhilda). He then continues to instruct his men to take Django and Hilda to the auction and sell them separately.
Such masks as the one Django is seen wearing did exist and where used during the antebellum and slave times. A similar device can be seen in source J. - Source G. The branding of the letter ‘R’ was a very popular punishment for slaves who attempted to run away. The branding of slaves in general was very popular back then. (Sources B-2, K-2 and F)
The separation of families was a harsh reality for slaves (Source K-1).
In the film slaves are shown working in tobacco and cotton fields. This was very true to the time.
During the film 3 white men are preparing to whip a young slave girl for accidently breaking eggs. Her top has been removed and she is tied to a tree- her back facing the men. One of the men “Big John” holds a Bible and recites verses from the Bible. (Source A-5). Most slaveholders of the time believed that Slavery was God’s will and that African Americans were scientifically and spiritually inferior to them. (Source H)
The following scene in the film is quiet amusing. It involves and makes fun of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), even though in reality they had not formed yet.
In the film, Mississippi is shown to be one of the harshest States, and in terms of Slavery and racism, this is historically accurate.
In the fil, Candyland is a plantation in Mississippi owned by slave owner Calvin Candie. At the owner’s club- Club Cleopatra- guests are entertained with black female sex slaves and black slave men pitted against one another in death matches. Another highly controversial and debated inaccuracy in the film are these aforementioned matches- “Mandingo Fighting”. This is a form of gambling between slave owners, whereby slaves fight to the death.
In order to enter Candyland, Django pretends to be a black slaver. He is despised by the blacks and most of the whites alike.
Upon entering Candyland, one of the most brutal scenes in the movie takes place. A slave that was being used for Mandingo Fighting is trapped in a tree- surrounded by overseers and vicious dogs- after attempting to run away. Calvin Candie (the plantation owner) decides to unleash the dogs on the slave- who tear and rip the man apart, to death. (Source A- 4)
Such brutal events most likely did take
place.
The first time in which we see Broomhilda -in the present tense of the film- is when Django, Dr Shultz and Mr Candie’s group arrive at Candie’s house. It is revealed that Hilda is in ‘the hot box” because she is being punished after attempting to run away. She is originally supposed to be in the box for a total of 11 days, but is released on her first day because Dr Shultz wants to meet her. When the box is opened and she is revealed, she is completely naked and in much distress. Such punishments did exist, though were not as common as whipping.
In a particularly disturbing scene, that takes place towards the end of the film, after Mr Candie realises that he is being lied to, Candie takes apart a skull of one of his former slaves. (Source A- 2) He explains the “science” and “biological reasons” for the separation of “our two species” i.e. blacks and whites. Historically, these beliefs were very popular during the time. Therefore, it can be concluded that even though the film Django Unchained has a couple of historical inaccuracies (Most notably the Mandingo Fighting and the KKK), overall it gives an accurate portrayal of what slavery was like during the antebellum era of the Deep South, to a large extent. Reflection:
When first told about the Historical Investigation I found it hard to choose a topic. However; after seeing the film Django Unchained, I found my inspiration. I found the film so very moving and interesting, and I wanted to find out more about the history of that period of time. This is how I came up with my focus question. I watched the film multiple times, taking notes when I thought necessary. I then went online to research the topic and find sources that would help with my investigation. I found a large amount of possible sources, and found it hard to narrow them down. I often compared various sources to validate the reliability of each. I really enjoyed learning more about slavery in the Deep South, and I feel as though I have been enriched through the process of this investigation. I am very pleased with my essay.
Slavery in the United States- as defined by law- started in the 1670s, and it lasted almost 200 years, before it legally ended in 1865. It is no secret that slave life was harsh, miserable, and filled with pain and suffering. Slaves were not seen as people, but as property. The time of slavery is one of- if not the darkest time in American history. In 2012 an American western- adventure film entitled Django Unchained, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, was released. The film primarily takes place during the pre-Civil War South (mainly in the year 1858). It is set in the antebellum era of the Deep South. (Source A) Using the film (source A), as well as various other sources, the extent to which Django …show more content…
Unchained accurately portrays what slavery was like during the antebellum era in the Deep South.
The main plot and theme of the film will first be discussed.
Django Unchained follows an African-American slave, Django, and an English-speaking, German bounty hunter, posing as a traveling dentist, named Dr Shultz. In exchange for helping Dr Schultz collect a large bounty on three outlaws (hiding-in-plain-sight in the south, working in the slave trade) that he has never seen – but Django has, while being trafficked – Dr Schultz buys and then promises to free Django after they catch the outlaws the following spring. Dr Schultz also promises to teach Django bounty hunting, and split the bounties with him, if Django assists him in hunting down other outlaws throughout the winter, on the way south. Django agrees – on the condition that they also locate and free his long-lost wife from her cruel plantation owner. Throughout the film, flashbacks of Django’s past are shown, as well as various scenes and shots of other slaves and their treatment. The film is very stylised and controversial in the fact that the lives of the slaves are shown as being horrendous, almost unbelievably so, that the accuracy of the film is very much debated. (source C)
The aspects of the film that will now be discussed will be in chronological order in relation to the film.
The film begins with a group of slaves that are shackled together, walking a very long distance, over vast and various landscapes. They are being taken by two slave-sellers to where it is assumed they will be sold. The slaves are in very little clothing- they only wear thin, short, pants- with no shirt or shoes, or any other form of protection. When the landscape changes from dessert-like and very hot, to freezing, the slaves are only given very thin blankets that seem to be made of very uncomfortable material. While travelling one night, the group are stopped by Dr Schultz, who pretends to take interest in buying the slaves- even though the slavers are not interested in selling them to Dr Shultz. After the doctor confirms that Django is a part of the group, he kills one of the slavers and releases the slaves. He then convinces Django to accompany him in order to assist him in finding three outlaws of which Django knows of. A shot of Django’s heavily scarred back is shown. (Source A) (Source A-3)
This scene is very accurate in the way in which the slaves were chained together and had to travel long distances with little clothing. (Sources D-2 & J-3).(Source G) The image of Django’s scarred back is also very true to the time. Whippings were very common punishment during the slave times. Whipping was used as a punishment for a range of misdemeanours such as refusing to work, ‘sassing’ slave masters or fighting with fellow slaves. (Source G) A very popular photograph of a slave named Peter’s scarred back can be seen in source B-1.
During the film, while Django and Schultz travel together various details are noted. Django does not know how to read and often does not understand what Dr Shultz says. (Source A) This was true for most slaves of the time. It was often very dangerous for a slave to be educated. When moving through a town a shot of gallows is shown. Hangings and lynching were very popular at the time, and thousands of slave deaths were caused by them. (Source B-2)
The term ‘nigger’ is also used excessively throughout the film. The term was first used as a derogatory word in the early 1800’s, and therefore was in fact used during the time in which the film is set. However; the term ‘Negro’ was more popular at the time.
In one of the first flashbacks seen in the film, Django remembers being restrained in a medieval-looking metal-mask device. A plantation owner tells one of his white workers to put “...a run-away ‘R’” on Django’s cheek, as well as Django’s wife (Broomhilda). He then continues to instruct his men to take Django and Hilda to the auction and sell them separately.
Such masks as the one Django is seen wearing did exist and where used during the antebellum and slave times. A similar device can be seen in source J. - Source G. The branding of the letter ‘R’ was a very popular punishment for slaves who attempted to run away. The branding of slaves in general was very popular back then. (Sources B-2, K-2 and F)
The separation of families was a harsh reality for slaves (Source K-1).
In the film slaves are shown working in tobacco and cotton fields. This was very true to the time.
During the film 3 white men are preparing to whip a young slave girl for accidently breaking eggs. Her top has been removed and she is tied to a tree- her back facing the men. One of the men “Big John” holds a Bible and recites verses from the Bible. (Source A-5). Most slaveholders of the time believed that Slavery was God’s will and that African Americans were scientifically and spiritually inferior to them. (Source H)
The following scene in the film is quiet amusing. It involves and makes fun of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), even though in reality they had not formed yet.
In the film, Mississippi is shown to be one of the harshest States, and in terms of Slavery and racism, this is historically accurate.
In the fil, Candyland is a plantation in Mississippi owned by slave owner Calvin Candie. At the owner’s club- Club Cleopatra- guests are entertained with black female sex slaves and black slave men pitted against one another in death matches. Another highly controversial and debated inaccuracy in the film are these aforementioned matches- “Mandingo Fighting”. This is a form of gambling between slave owners, whereby slaves fight to the death.
In order to enter Candyland, Django pretends to be a black slaver. He is despised by the blacks and most of the whites alike.
Upon entering Candyland, one of the most brutal scenes in the movie takes place. A slave that was being used for Mandingo Fighting is trapped in a tree- surrounded by overseers and vicious dogs- after attempting to run away. Calvin Candie (the plantation owner) decides to unleash the dogs on the slave- who tear and rip the man apart, to death. (Source A- 4)
Such brutal events most likely did take
place.
The first time in which we see Broomhilda -in the present tense of the film- is when Django, Dr Shultz and Mr Candie’s group arrive at Candie’s house. It is revealed that Hilda is in ‘the hot box” because she is being punished after attempting to run away. She is originally supposed to be in the box for a total of 11 days, but is released on her first day because Dr Shultz wants to meet her. When the box is opened and she is revealed, she is completely naked and in much distress. Such punishments did exist, though were not as common as whipping.
In a particularly disturbing scene, that takes place towards the end of the film, after Mr Candie realises that he is being lied to, Candie takes apart a skull of one of his former slaves. (Source A- 2) He explains the “science” and “biological reasons” for the separation of “our two species” i.e. blacks and whites. Historically, these beliefs were very popular during the time. Therefore, it can be concluded that even though the film Django Unchained has a couple of historical inaccuracies (Most notably the Mandingo Fighting and the KKK), overall it gives an accurate portrayal of what slavery was like during the antebellum era of the Deep South, to a large extent. Reflection:
When first told about the Historical Investigation I found it hard to choose a topic. However; after seeing the film Django Unchained, I found my inspiration. I found the film so very moving and interesting, and I wanted to find out more about the history of that period of time. This is how I came up with my focus question. I watched the film multiple times, taking notes when I thought necessary. I then went online to research the topic and find sources that would help with my investigation. I found a large amount of possible sources, and found it hard to narrow them down. I often compared various sources to validate the reliability of each. I really enjoyed learning more about slavery in the Deep South, and I feel as though I have been enriched through the process of this investigation. I am very pleased with my essay.