What happens to Shosanna in Inglourious Basterds?
Shosanna Dreyfus's journey in Inglourious Basterds culminates in a dramatic act of vengeance that leads to her death during a pivotal event.
Her Plan for Retribution
After escaping the massacre of her family, Shosanna adopts a new identity as Emmanuelle Mimieux and becomes the owner and operator of "Le Gamaar," a cinema in Paris. Her path for retribution takes a decisive turn when her cinema is chosen to host the premiere of "Stolz der Nation" (Nation's Pride), a Nazi propaganda film. The film stars Frederick Zoller, a German war hero who develops an infatuation with Shosanna.
Recognizing a unique and unparalleled opportunity, Shosanna devises a meticulous plan to eliminate the Nazi high command, including Adolf Hitler, who are slated to attend the premiere. This plan is conceived and executed by her, entirely independent of the operations of any other anti-Nazi groups like the Basterds. Her strategy involves locking the cinema doors and then igniting highly flammable nitrate film reels behind the screen, transforming the entire venue into a colossal inferno designed to trap and burn the Nazi elite.
The Tragic Climax
During the chaotic and tense premiere, Frederick Zoller, driven by his obsessive desire for Shosanna, leaves the screening to confront her in the cinema's projector room. In a desperate and violent confrontation, Shosanna manages to shoot Zoller, seemingly ending his threat. However, in his final, dying moments, a mortally wounded Zoller manages to fire his own weapon back at Shosanna, fatally shooting her multiple times.
Shosanna Dreyfus dies in the projector room, just as her meticulously orchestrated plan to burn down the cinema and execute her vengeance on the Nazi leadership begins to unfold successfully.
Outcome of Her Actions
Despite her personal demise, Shosanna's plan is largely successful. The cinema fire, ignited as per her design, leads to the deaths of many high-ranking Nazi officials and contributes significantly to the overall downfall of the Third Reich's leadership. Her sacrifice serves as a powerful and decisive act of justice and retribution against those who murdered her family.
Here's a summary of the key events:
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Cinema Chosen for Premiere | Shosanna's cinema, Le Gamaar, is selected to host the premiere of "Stolz der Nation," attended by top Nazi leaders. |
| Independent Plan Developed | Shosanna devises a plan, separate from The Basterds, to burn the cinema and kill the Nazi high command by igniting film reels. |
| Confrontation with Frederick Zoller | Frederick Zoller confronts Shosanna in the projector room. She shoots him. |
| Shosanna's Death | A dying Zoller manages to shoot Shosanna, leading to her death in the projector room. |
| Plan's Execution | Her plan to ignite the cinema proceeds, resulting in a devastating fire that kills many high-ranking Nazis, including Hitler (as portrayed). |
