Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the Hollywood premiere of "Inglourious Basterds" Credit: Wenn
The stars were out in full force last night at the Hollywood premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds held at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. It was a veritable who’s who of Hollywood from Tarantino to Brad Pitt to Angelina Jolie rolling down the Red Carpet. And speaking of Red Carpet, a funny thing happened as I walked in. As I made my way down the the Red Carpet into the theater, I was literally scared by none other than dashing Pitt himself as he jumped around the corner to surprise eagerly awaiting fans across the street and nearly bumped into me! Not that I minded one bit. I actually entered the theater as graceful Jolie was walking in and she looked stunning in a black strapless knee length Michael Kors leather dress, and didn’t even drop a bit of popcorn on it as she delicately munched while chatting with friends waiting for Brad to finish the Red Carpet. Also looking lovely was Diane Kruger, who plays starlet Bridget von Hammersmark in the film, who wore a sparkly Atelier Versace backless mini dress that must have weighed at least 20 lbs, which is probably why she changed into different black strapless design for the party. Acting legend Sidney Poitier wearing sunglasses made his way into the theater as did a jeans and t-shirt wearing Kanye West who was escorted by sometimes girlfriend Amber Rose, also sporting a jeans and T look. Director Brett Ratner greeted Samuel L. Jackson, who narrated the flick, with a “What’s up!”
Executive Producer Harvey Weinstein introduced both the flick and Tarantino, who didn’t waste any time getting to the main point of the evening and that was the movie itself. A what a movie it is! This war drama takes place during the Nazi occupation of Europe in World War II and focuses on a group of renegade Jewish soldiers or “basterds” commanded by Pitt, who are determined to put an end to the Third Reich and scalp (literally-it is Tarantino after all) and kill every repulsive Nazi soldier they come across. First of all the choice in casting was excellent from standout Austrian actor Christoph Waltz who plays villain Nazi Col. Hans Landa and masters 4 languages (English, French, German & Italian) with perfect accents to Brad Pitt, Lt. Aldo Raine as he was known in the film, who charms with his Southern accent, mannerisms, and his never ending determination to take down the Nazis. The style of the flick is indicative of Quentin’s love of the spaghetti western and has carefully choreographed scenes of violence and killings, which are even comical as the basterds murder the enemy. The brilliant opening scene pairs Christoph’s character with a suspected hider of Jews in what turn out to be an amazingly tense scene that will leave you shocked. That’s the thing about Inglourious Basterds, you have no idea what is about to happen next.
The after party at the Mondrian was rocking as party goers filed in hoping to rub shoulders with the stars of the movie as well as celebrity attendees. Guests were greeted by ladies dressed in soldier gear who handed out souvenir dog tags and Stella Artois kept the party going with beer on draught. A red dress wearing Christina Ricci and Camryn Manheim held court at the Weinstein table along with Brad and Angelina who were very affectionate with one another, contrary to recent reports of trouble in paradise, and looked quite happy to me. Hip hop honcho Russell Simmons in his traditional white NY baseball cap gravitated toward the DJ booth and enjoyed the tunes. A backpack wearing Sarah Silverman chatted up Diane Kruger whose boyfriend, Josh Jackson, wasn’t far away. Eli Roth, who played Sgt. Donny Donowitz, had fun taking pictures with Brad for photographers and fans.
The Weinstein Company’s Inglourious Basterds will be released nationwide August 21, 2009.
Red Carpet Roxy on the Red Carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Inglourious Basterds"
