Quentin Tarantino has ignited a firestorm of controversy among film enthusiasts after his remarks about actor Paul Dano during an appearance on “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast.” While discussing his favorite films of the 21st century, Tarantino openly criticized Dano’s performance in the acclaimed film “There Will Be Blood.”
Tarantino’s Controversial Critique of Paul Dano
In his rankings, Tarantino placed Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood” at number five. He claimed that the film could have easily held a higher position if it weren’t for what he described as a significant flaw: Paul Dano’s performance. “It’s supposed to be a two-hander,” Tarantino stated, arguing that Dano, who plays twins Paul and Eli Sunday, is simply not strong enough to match the formidable presence of Daniel Day-Lewis, who stars as Daniel Plainview.
Details of the Critique
- Tarantino called Dano “weak sauce” and emphasized his lack of presence compared to Day-Lewis.
- He suggested that Austin Butler would have been a better fit for the role.
- Tarantino claimed Dano delivers a “non-entity performance,” lacking the required depth.
Despite Tarantino’s harsh words, Ellis attempted to defend Dano, suggesting that he performed well within the constraints of his role. Tarantino responded firmly, maintaining his position. “I don’t care for him,” Tarantino added, further alienating some fans.
Impact on Fans and Industry
The fallout from Tarantino’s comments was swift, as many fans took to social media to express their outrage. Dano’s performance in “There Will Be Blood” was previously praised in reviews; Variety described his portrayal as ranging from “politely deferential to frothingly enraptured.”
The Broader Context of “There Will Be Blood”
Released in 2007, “There Will Be Blood” features Daniel Day-Lewis in an Oscar-winning role, showcasing a ruthless character intent on amassing wealth during the early 20th century. The film is notable for its unique narrative style and lack of traditional set pieces, focusing instead on the story and character development.
As the discussion continues, representatives for both Tarantino and Dano have been contacted for comments, indicating that this dialogue about acting standards in film may prompt further responses from within the industry.
