How Michael Fassbender’s Lt. Archie Hicox Revealed His True Identity in Inglourious Basterds

Inglourious Basterds is a film that masterfully intertwines plot twists and character reveals, and one of the most intriguing is the manner in which Lt. Archie Hicox, played by Michael Fassbender, gives away his true identity in a pivotal scene at a bar. This article delves into the specific moments that revealed Hicox's real identity, offering insights into the layered complexity of filmmaking and the importance of cultural details in storytelling.

The Falsely Blamed Hand Gesture

Michael Fassbender portrays Lt. Archie Hicox, a British officer disguised as a German soldier. The film's most memorable scene involving Hicox's identity reveal occurs in a bar. An important detail is noted when Hicox orders three drinks using a hand gesture to signify the number three. He raises three fingers, a gesture commonplace in English-speaking countries. However, in German culture, the traditional gesture to indicate three involves raising the thumb and index finger together, rather than simply three individual fingers.

This cultural faux pas raises suspicions among the German officers present. It suggests that Hicox is an outsider, which ultimately leads to the fated confrontation that reveals his true identity. This small slip of the hand, which could have easily been overlooked, becomes a significant element in the plot's development.

A Multi-Faceted Character Assumption

The bar scene is not isolated as the sole indicator of Hicox's true identity. Other details in the dialogue and character behavior contribute to the more comprehensive understanding of the character and his true nature.

The Accented and Inconsistent Explanations

During the scene, other characters try to piece together Hicox's background. The way he explains his origins, his role in the movie industry, and his recent engagements with German cinema exposes the inconsistencies in his story. This inconsistency doesn't merely raise suspicion but solidifies the suspicion. Each point in his narrative is scrutinized, leading to a stronger suspicion that he is not who he claims to be.

A Deliberate Exclusion and Frustration

There are further clues beyond the hand gesture. During the game where characters guess a person's identity, Hellstrom, one of the other characters in the bar, deliberately writes down an actress's name who started her career in German cinema towards the end of the Third Reich. This demonstrates his knowledge and intention to test Hicox. Additionally, when Hellstrom offers to go first and insists that everyone drinks after his victory, it underscores his control over the situation, hinting at his awareness of Hicox's true identity.

The Observation of Drinking Habits

Contrary to the desperation of the other characters, Hellstrom calmly takes a sip of his beer. This detail is often overlooked but plays a crucial role. It shows that Hellstrom has a complete grasp of the situation, maintaining his composure and observing the nervousness of others.

The Initial Clues Before the Bar Scene

Before the scene in the bar, other elements in the plot and Hicox's dialogue provide initial clues about his true identity. Hellstrom, a movie aficionado and movie critic before joining the army, quickly picks up on Hicox's inconsistencies. Hicox, who claims to be from a small village, reveals a complex backstory that includes his involvement in the Hollywood film industry, which is inconsistent with his supposed village origins.

Further, Hellstrom is familiar with Hicox's writing, having read a few of his books on German cinema, which contradicts Hicox's claim that he hasn't watched any German movies for the past three years. Moreover, Hellstrom, who is well-versed in German military history, recognizes Hugo Stiglitz, suggesting his knowledge extends beyond casual familiarity.

Conclusion

The final reveal of Lt. Archie Hicox's true identity in Inglourious Basterds is a testament to the meticulous storytelling and attention to detail in Quentin Tarantino's film. Through a blend of cultural nuances, careful character development, and subtle clues, Tarantino expertly crafted a narrative that kept audiences guessing until the very end. This proof of the importance of even small details in storytelling serves as a reminder that the most memorable moments in a movie often lie in the smallest, yet most telling, details.