What is Aldo Raine Sniffing in "Inglourious Basterds"?
Snuff: Aldo Raine’s Tobacco of Choice in “Inglourious Basterds”
In Quentin Tarantino’s film “Inglourious Basterds,” the character Lt. Aldo Raine, portrayed by Brad Pitt, is frequently seen sniffing snuff. Snuff is a type of smokeless tobacco product that is made from ground or pulverized dried and cured tobacco leaves. It is consumed by inhaling it into the nasal cavity, specifically into each nostril. This method of consumption delivers a swift hit of nicotine and leaves a lasting flavored scent.
Historical Context of Snuff
Snuffing tobacco was particularly popular during the 17th century when it gained popularity among European aristocracy. However, its popularity declined in subsequent centuries as cigarettes became more prevalent. Snuff was known for its distinctive aroma and the stimulating effect it provided through the inhalation of nicotine.
Aldo Raine’s Snuff Box
In the movie, Lt. Aldo Raine uses a snuff box to hold and access his preferred tobacco product. The snuff box used by Aldo Raine is a vintage French snuff box with a Swastika design on it. It can be inferred that Raine looted this box from the Nazi soldiers the Basterds killed in France. The snuff box serves as a defining prop for the character, emphasizing his rebellious and unconventional nature.
Prop Reproduction by Fans
The distinctive snuff box used by Lt. Aldo Raine has caught the attention of fans of the movie, inspiring them to recreate it as a prop. These dedicated fans put in significant effort to achieve screen-accuracy in their reproductions. Some enthusiasts have shared their recreations on online forums and communities, showcasing their attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Sources:
- Inglourious Basterds Wiki: Snuff (https://inglouriousbasterds.fandom.com/wiki/Snuff)
- The RPF Costume and Prop Maker Community: “Inglourious Basterds – Aldo’s Snuff Box (PIC INTENSIVE)” (https://www.therpf.com/forums/threads/inglourious-basterds-aldos-snuff-box-pic-intensive.239514/)
- Narkive Entertainment: “In the Tarantino movie, ‘Inglourious Basterds,’ what does Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) sniff periodically?” (https://movies.entmt.narkive.com/T1b7Rsod/in-the-tarantino-movie-inglourious-basterds-what-does-lt-aldo-raine-brad-pitt-sniff-periodically)
FAQs
What is snuff, and why is Aldo Raine sniffing it in the movie?
Snuff is a smokeless tobacco product made from ground or pulverized dried and cured tobacco leaves. Aldo Raine, portrayed by Brad Pitt in “Inglourious Basterds,” is shown sniffing snuff as a character trait, emphasizing his rebellious and unconventional nature.
How is snuff consumed?
Snuff is typically inhaled or “snuffed” into the nasal cavity, specifically into each nostril. This method of consumption delivers a swift hit of nicotine and leaves a lasting flavored scent.
Is snuff still popular today?
While snuff was popular during the 17th century, its popularity declined in subsequent centuries as cigarettes became more prevalent. Today, snuff is not as widely used as other tobacco products.
Are there any historical references to snuff in the movie?
The use of snuff in “Inglourious Basterds” is historically contextualized. Snuffing tobacco was popular during the 17th century, and the movie is set during World War II, where Aldo Raine’s snuff box is depicted as a vintage French snuff box with a Swastika design on it, indicating that it was likely looted from Nazi soldiers.
Can fans of the movie recreate Aldo Raine’s snuff box?
Yes, fans of “Inglourious Basterds” have taken an interest in recreating Aldo Raine’s snuff box as a prop. Some enthusiasts have put in significant effort to achieve screen-accuracy in their reproductions, showcasing their attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Is snuff considered a recreational drug?
Yes, snuff is classified as a recreational drug due to its nicotine content and its use for the purpose of achieving a stimulating effect through inhalation.
Did the movie accurately depict the use of snuff during World War II?
While “Inglourious Basterds” is a fictional movie, it incorporates historical elements. The use of snuff by Aldo Raine reflects the popularity of snuffing tobacco during the 17th century, though it is worth noting that the movie takes creative liberties for storytelling purposes.
Are there any health risks associated with using snuff?
Like other tobacco products, snuff contains nicotine, which is addictive. Prolonged use of snuff can have adverse health effects, including increased risk of oral and nasal cancers, gum disease, and addiction to nicotine. It is important to note that tobacco use in any form is harmful to health.