Quentin Tarantino has frequently expressed strong opinions on cinema, and his latest remarks have prompted notable discussion among film fans and industry colleagues. During an appearance on “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast,” the Pulp Fiction director listed his picks for the top 20 films of the 21st century — including Black Hawk Down at the top and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story — before providing criticism of an actor he believes affects one of his favourite films.
Tarantino ranked Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood as his fifth-favourite film of the century. He claimed it could have reached the top two if not for what he called a fundamental casting misstep. “There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being No. 1 or 2 if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it … and the flaw is Paul Dano,” he said. Tarantino argued Dano’s portrayal of twins Paul and Eli Sunday did not stand alongside Daniel Day-Lewis’ Oscar-winning performance as Daniel Plainview.
The director further explained that the film “is intended as a two-hander,” but said it becomes “noticeable that it’s not a two-hander” due to the difference between the two lead performances. Tarantino added, “He is not strong enough in the role,” before suggesting a hypothetical replacement: “Austin Butler would have been effective in that role.”
Critics and viewers quickly pointed out the irony. Butler was 16 when the film was made. They also reminded fans that Dano stepped into a massive role on only a few days’ notice. He was originally hired to play just Paul Sunday. The actor took both twin roles after Kel O’Neill exited the film two weeks into shooting. Anderson later said O’Neill “wasn’t the right fit,” so 23-year-old Dano was rapidly recast and thrust into some of the film’s most demanding scenes early in his career.
Ellis attempted to contextualise the situation, noting that Day-Lewis’ towering portrayal was nearly impossible to match by any standard. “There are aspects of that performance that are so gargantuan,” he said. Tarantino rejected the explanation, firing back: “So you put him with the weakest male actor in SAG?” He later insisted, “I’m not saying [Dano]’s giving a terrible performance. I’m saying he’s giving a non-entity performance.”
The comments have sparked criticism, with some observers supporting Dano as an actor known for his range and emotional intensity across several acclaimed films over the past two decades. His résumé includes collaborations with directors such as Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners), Bong Joon-ho (Okja), Kelly Reichardt (Meek’s Cutoff), and Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans). His performances in Love & Mercy, Little Miss Sunshine, and Swiss Army Man have contributed to his reputation.
Many film writers also note Dano’s consistent critical acclaim. This includes his BAFTA nomination for There Will Be Blood and his praised turn as the Riddler in The Batman. The Guardian responded to Tarantino’s comments by noting Dano is “astounding and pitiful” as Eli Sunday. His performance is shaped as much by internal conflict as by Day-Lewis’ external intensity.
Tarantino’s comments also attracted attention due to their broad nature. When asked whether he enjoyed Dano in any other project, the filmmaker replied, “I don’t care for him. I don’t care for him, I don’t care for Owen Wilson, and I don’t care for Matthew Lillard.” Some listeners interpreted this as a reflection of personal preference rather than a comment on acting skill.
Tarantino’s cinematic insight is often celebrated, but many viewers disagree with his latest remarks. The debate underscores the lasting reach of There Will Be Blood and the impact of performances that inspire discussion nearly two decades later.
