Quentin Tarantino Criticizes Paul Dano as the Weakest Actor in SAG and Major Flaw in There Will Be Blood Sparking Fan Outrage
Quentin Tarantino recently sparked controversy by criticizing actor Paul Dano during “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast.” The Oscar-winning filmmaker shared his thoughts while discussing his top movie selections for the 21st century, placing Paul Thomas Anderson’s film “There Will Be Blood” at number five. However, he punctuated his praise with strong criticism of Dano’s performance.
Tarantino’s Critique of Dano
Tarantino described “There Will Be Blood” as having a significant flaw. He specifically stated that the movie could have ranked higher if it weren’t for Dano’s portrayal. “It’s supposed to be a two-hander. But it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not,” he remarked. His strongest criticism was directed at Dano, labeling him as the “weak sister” in a duo that included Daniel Day-Lewis.
During his comments, Tarantino suggested that someone like Austin Butler would have been a better choice for Dano’s role. He expressed a strong opinion that Dano’s performance lacked depth, calling him “the weakest actor in SAG.” This statement has ignited outrage among fans, many of whom hold Dano’s performance in high regard.
Response from the Podcast
As Tarantino made these assertions, Ellis countered by stating that Dano had performed well for the role he was given. Tarantino clarified that he was not criticizing Dano’s skills entirely, asserting, “I am saying he’s giving a non-entity performance… I don’t care for him.” This exchange underscores the divide among film enthusiasts regarding Dano’s contribution to the film.
Overview of “There Will Be Blood”
“There Will Be Blood,” released in 2007, features Daniel Day-Lewis in a performance that won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He portrays Daniel Plainview, a driven oil baron in the early 20th century. Dano plays dual roles as twins Paul and Eli Sunday, with Eli being a preacher. Both Tarantino and Ellis acknowledged the excellence of Day-Lewis’ performance and Anderson’s direction.
Critical Reception
Despite Tarantino’s comments, earlier reviews have praised Dano’s performance in the film. Variety noted that Dano delivered a powerful portrayal, describing him as moving from “politely deferential to frothingly enraptured.” This contradiction between Tarantino’s views and the critical acclaim raises questions about the subjective nature of acting performances.
Conclusion: A Divide in Perspectives
Tarantino’s recent remarks about Paul Dano have stirred significant discussion among fans and film critics alike. While he remains a celebrated figure in the film industry, his comments have opened up a larger dialogue about performance standards and the varied interpretations of an actor’s contribution to their roles. As debates continue, “There Will Be Blood” remains a pivotal film in the landscape of American cinema.
