Tarantino’s Bold Take on Paul Dano Sparks Debate
So, there’s been a surprising bit of headline-grabbing drama in the film world, and it all started when Quentin Tarantino decided to share his 20 favourite films of the 21st century on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. Now, that part alone wouldn’t really ruffle feathers. But what did spark a wave of reactions was Tarantino’s unexpectedly harsh criticism of actor Paul Dano — criticism that many people feel completely misses the mark.
During the conversation, Tarantino ranked There Will Be Blood at No. 5 on his list. It could have been higher, he claimed, if not for what he labeled the film’s “big, giant flaw.” And that flaw, according to him, was Paul Dano. He described Dano as “weak sauce,” “a weak sister,” and even went as far as calling him a “weak, weak uninteresting guy.” This was all said while comparing Dano’s performance as Eli Sunday to Daniel Day-Lewis’s monumental turn as Daniel Plainview — a comparison that would overwhelm almost any actor alive.
Tarantino even floated an alternative casting choice: Austin Butler, despite the fact that Butler was only 16 when the film was made. It was one of those comments that felt intentionally provocative, like something said knowing it would set the internet buzzing.
Also Read:But here’s where the backlash kicked in. Fans, critics, and even Bret Easton Ellis pushed back, reminding everyone just how exceptional Dano has consistently been. In There Will Be Blood alone, Dano delivered a performance filled with vulnerability, desperation, and simmering intensity — all while acting opposite one of the most overpowering performers in cinema. And what many people forget is that Dano wasn’t even meant to play both twins originally. He was cast as Paul, not Eli, and stepped into the second role only after filming had already begun when the original actor was let go. He was 23, early in his career, and suddenly thrown into a psychological slugfest with Daniel Day-Lewis. Most actors would crumble; Dano didn’t.
Beyond that film, his body of work speaks loudly. He’s been brilliant in Prisoners , heartbreaking in Love & Mercy , quietly affecting in Little Miss Sunshine , and downright unsettling as the Riddler in The Batman . He’s widely seen as one of Hollywood’s most underrated chameleons — someone who transforms himself completely, even when the spotlight isn’t centered on him.
So when Tarantino doubled down and claimed he’s “never cared for” Dano in any project — grouping him with actors like Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard — it felt less like objective criticism and more like one of those intentionally polarizing Tarantino hot takes.
And the big question that lingers now is simple: Was Tarantino watching the same performances the rest of us were? Because for most people, Paul Dano isn’t the flaw in There Will Be Blood . He’s one of the reasons the film is unforgettable.
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