Quentin Tarantino Criticizes Paul Dano's Performance in 'There Will Be Blood' as the Weakest Among Male Actors in SAG

Quentin Tarantino recently shared his thoughts on Paul Dano's acting in Paul Thomas Andersons There Will Be Blood. Speaking on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the acclaimed director included the 2007 drama in his list of the top films of the 21st century, ranking it fifth. He explained that the film could have ranked higher if it werent for a major flaw.

The flaw is Paul Dano, Tarantino said. Its meant to be a two-person dynamic, but its clear it isnt. Hes just weak. He doesnt bring anything to the table.

Tarantino praised Daniel Day-Lewis performance, which earned him an Oscar, emphasizing that Day-Lewis carried the film without needing a strong counterpart. Day-Lewis doesnt need a foil. The film would have had more tension if it were a true two-hander, he added.

When Ellis suggested that Day-Lewis role might simply overshadow Dano, Tarantino responded harshly: So you pair him with the weakest male actor in SAG? The limpest in the world?

Clarifying his criticism, Tarantino noted that he wasnt calling Danos performance terrible, but described it as lacking presence. He extended similar critiques to actors like Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard.

There Will Be Blood received two Academy AwardsBest Actor for Day-Lewis and Best Cinematographyand earned eight nominations in total. Critics highlighted Day-Lewis portrayal as a major driving force behind the films acclaim. One review described it as a powerhouse performance in Paul Thomas Andersons saga of a soul-dead oil man.

Author: Logan Reeves