Tarantino's Criticism Spurs Support for Paul Dano

Post by : Mina Rahman

Quentin Tarantino recently ignited controversy with his remarks regarding Paul Dano. On a well-known podcast, the director of Kill Bill revisited the acclaimed 2007 film There Will Be Blood, asserting that Dano’s acting undermined the film’s main dynamic. He labeled Dano as “weak sauce” and suggested that the collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis should have achieved a stronger balance, branding him as “the weakest … actor in SAG.”

The comments rapidly elicited reactions from notable figures in the industry. Matt Reeves, who directed Dano in The Batman (2022) as the Riddler, hailed him as “an incredible actor and an incredible person,” commending the depth he brought to his performance alongside Robert Pattinson.

Screenwriter Mattson Tomlin, currently engaged in the Batman sequel project, underscored Dano’s dual talent as an actor and director, pointing out his debut film Wildlife as evidence of his ability and sensitivity. Ben Stiller tweeted that Dano is “f-ing brilliant,” while Alec Baldwin shared a video praising the actor’s talent.

This exchange has rekindled conversation around the film There Will Be Blood, once fawned over for Day-Lewis’s performance and Paul Thomas Anderson’s directing style. However, the spotlight has now shifted to Dano’s role and the significant backing he’s garnered from colleagues, reaffirming his esteemed status in Hollywood despite Tarantino’s remarks.