Conan O’Brien has spent decades interviewing Hollywood’s biggest names, but not every film-related experience has been smooth sailing for him. As he prepares to host the 97th Academy Awards, O’Brien recalled a particularly rough first-time viewing of Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds.”
Due to a last-minute scheduling change, he had to rush through the movie in a way that left him unable to fully appreciate it.
The Unexpected Rush to Watch “Inglourious Basterds”
During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, O’Brien looked back at the moment from 2009 when he was informed—on extremely short notice—that Quentin Tarantino would be appearing on his show to discuss his latest film, “Inglourious Basterds.” The news came with a major catch – he needed to watch the entire movie before the interview, but there wasn’t enough time to sit through its full runtime of over two and a half hours.
Instead of experiencing the film as intended, O’Brien was forced to fast-forward through large chunks just to get the general idea. He compared the situation to being told that Francis Ford Coppola was coming on the show and then having to speed-watch both “The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part II” in under an hour.
A First Viewing Gone Wrong
Watching a Quentin Tarantino film isn’t something to be rushed. The director is known for his meticulous storytelling, sharp dialogue, and slow-burning tension, all of which require full attention. However, O’Brien had no choice but to experience “Inglourious Basterds” in the most chaotic way possible.
1. Instead of immersing himself in the film’s intense scenes, he was forced to skip through crucial moments.
2. The pacing, which is a major part of what makes the movie so impactful, was completely lost.
3. Key performances, including those of Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz, weren’t given the proper time to leave an impression.
As a result, the viewing experience was frustrating rather than enjoyable. While O’Brien eventually rewatched the film at a normal pace, he still considers that first rushed screening to be one of his worst movie-watching experiences.
From a Frustrating Start to One of O’Brien’s Favorite Films
Despite the rocky introduction, O’Brien now holds “Inglourious Basterds” in high regard. Over the years, it has become one of his favorite movies, and he deeply appreciates its storytelling and performances.
Quentin Tarantino’s work is known for its distinctive style, and “Inglourious Basterds” is often considered one of his best films. The movie’s blend of historical fiction, action, and sharp dialogue has made it a standout in modern cinema.
Although O’Brien’s first experience with the film wasn’t ideal, it’s a testament to Tarantino’s craftsmanship that the movie still left a lasting impact—even in a fast-forwarded format.
Where to Watch O’Brien and “Inglourious Basterds”
Fans can catch Conan O’Brien hosting the Oscars on ABC, with streaming options available. Plus, his latest series is now streaming on Max.
As for “Inglourious Basterds,” the film is not currently available on major streaming platforms, but it remains one of the most highly regarded movies from Quentin Tarantino’s filmography, making it well worth tracking down for a proper viewing experience.