Django Unchained: The Morality Behind the Handshake

In the critically acclaimed 2012 film Django Unchained, the iconic handshake between Django and Calvin Candie holds significant weight. This moment serves as a microcosm of the broader themes explored in the movie, including morality, trust, and the complex ethical dilemmas faced by its characters.

Trust and Betrayal in the Movie

Christoph Waltz's character, Dr. King Schultz, recognizes early on that Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Calvin Candie, is a man of great threat, primarily because of their handshake. Despite the apparent deal to purchase Django's wife, Broomhilda, Schultz understands that Candie is both ruthless and manipulative. The handshake symbolizes a moment of potential trust, but Schultz quickly realizes that trusting Candie would be a fatal mistake.

By shooting Candie immediately after their handshake, Schultz takes a decisive action to protect Django and ensure their own safety above the completion of the deal. This moment underscores the film's exploration of betrayal, morality, and the inherent moral complexities of the characters involved.

The Ego and Culture Clash

While both men appear to have their principles, they also exhibit significant ego problems. Leo accepts the handshake according to his cultural norms, while Christoph explicitly refuses it, highlighting cultural differences and personal preferences.

Calvin's willingness to sign Broomhilda over to Schultz initially suggests a strategic move, but his subsequent actions reveal a different agenda. Learning that Schultz and Django were trying to trick him, Calvin forces Schultz to pay a high price for Broomhilda, leveraging her unusual condition to extort a large sum. This act of extortion further demonstrates the cruelty and manipulation at play in the character of Calvin.

The scene where Schultz recalls moments of Artagan’s death doubles his resolve to kill Candie, driven by both personal grievances and strategic concerns. This moment showcases the emotional and moral wrestling Schultz endures before taking decisive action.

Morality and the Ethical Dilemma

The handshake scene in Django Unchained is a pivotal moment that encapsulates the film's larger themes. It highlights the complex interplay between trust, betrayal, and the ethical complexities of the characters. While Schultz's actions may seem justified from a moral standpoint, they also reflect the harsh realities of a society deeply rooted in racial injustice and systemic cruelty.

Thematic analysis reveals that the film is a relentless critique of moral corruption and the dehumanizing practices of slavery. The handshake serves as a powerful visual and narrative symbol, illustrating the deteriorating trust and escalating violence that define the characters' interactions.

In conclusion, the handshake in Django Unchained is a multifaceted moment that encapsulates the movie's exploration of morality, trust, and the darker aspects of human nature. It highlights the moral complexities faced by the characters and serves as a critical turning point in the film's narrative and thematic development.

Conclusion

Through the lens of the handshake, Django Unchained delves into the profound ethical dilemmas faced by its characters. The moment serves not only as a narrative device but also as a profound exploration of the moral constructs that shape the characters and the society in which they exist.