10 Most Disturbing Backstories Behind Quentin Tarantino Movie Side Characters

Gratuitous violence goes hand in hand with a Tarantino movie, but even the torture scene in Reservoir Dogs seemed tame compared to what we saw in Django Unchained. The graphic depictions of violence were made more disturbing given the context in which they were happening.

The sadistic plantation owner, Calvin J. Candie, is first introduced, revelling over a brutal a Mandingo fight. The depiction of two slaves viciously grappling with one another - while a bunch of wealthy white folks sat and watched - was harrowing stuff. After a vicious struggle, Big Fred - Candie's prize fighter - gained the upper hand by blinding his opponent, before finishing him off with a hammer. Even for Tarantino this was a tough scene to sit through.

What makes things more uncomfortable is the background profile of the supposed natural warrior, Big Fred. Tarantino wanted to stress to actor Escalante Lundy, that his character was unlike typical fighters. In his younger days he was a gentle giant, with little instinct for violence and a caring nature. His size and strength drew attention, however, and before long he found himself being selected for the ring. Through harsh conditioning, and faced with life or death, Fred was forced to battle his own nature, becoming a brutal and effective killer.