Quentin Tarantino disapproves of Owen Wilson, yet considers one of his movies a modern classic

Quentin Tarantino has openly stated that he "cannot stand" Owen Wilson. Despite this, the acclaimed filmmaker included Midnight in Paris, starring Wilson, among his top ten favorite films of the 21st century.

During a recent appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino was candid about his feelings toward the Wedding Crashers actor. "I really can't stand Owen Wilson," he said. "I mean, I just can't stand him."

Yet, when discussing Woody Allens Midnight in Paris, Tarantino revealed a change of perspective. "The first time I watched the movie, I was loving it and hating him," he admitted. "By the second viewing, I thought, 'Okay, dont be so harsh. Hes not that bad.' And by the third time, I found myself actually paying attention to him."

Wilson's performance in the film received widespread acclaim, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical and a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Best Ensemble.

Tarantino also commented on Woody Allen's prolific filmmaking. "How does Woody Allen manage to write and release almost a movie every year? If you examine his work closely, you can see his method. Hes essentially turning short stories into feature films," he explained. Tarantino suggested that Allen prioritizes output over refinement: "He usually shoots first drafts. If he spent a year perfecting them, we might see different films, but he prefers to move quickly from one project to the next."

Despite this, Tarantino believes Midnight in Paris stands out as a more polished and thoughtfully executed film. "It seems like this one might have gone through a third draft," he said. "It was fully baked."

He also praised the film's creative depiction of early-20th-century artists, noting how Wilson's characters time-travel interactions with surrealists were particularly entertaining. "The surrealists were really funny," Tarantino remarked. "He tries to explain time travel to them, and theyre the only ones who completely understand it. Well, of course, they dotheyre surrealists!"

Analysis: Tarantino's Complex Relationship with Owen Wilson and "Midnight in Paris"

Quentin Tarantino’s recent comments about Owen Wilson have sparked some interesting debate. On one hand, the renowned director admitted to having a strong dislike for Wilson, claiming he "cannot stand" the actor. On the other hand, Tarantino acknowledged Wilson’s performance in Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" as one of his top ten favorite films of the 21st century, which seems to contradict his initial stance.

This dichotomy reveals a complex, nuanced perspective on both the actor and the film. Tarantino’s evolving opinion of Wilson’s performance in the movie, from initially being critical to eventually recognizing its value, underscores the impact that repeated viewings can have on a viewer’s perception. Despite his personal feelings towards Wilson, Tarantino was able to appreciate the actor's contribution to a film he clearly admires, suggesting a level of professional respect that transcends personal preferences.

The filmmaker's admiration for the movie itself is also notable. Tarantino praised Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" for being a more polished and fully realized work compared to Allen's usual rapid production pace. This commentary adds depth to the conversation about how films are made, with Tarantino pointing out that Allen’s commitment to completing projects quickly often results in less refined films. However, "Midnight in Paris" stood out to him as a rare example of careful craftsmanship, something that resonates with Tarantino's own meticulous approach to filmmaking.

In the end, this commentary reflects a broader truth about art and collaboration: personal feelings and artistic evaluation can sometimes exist in separate spheres. Tarantino may not personally enjoy Wilson's presence, but he can still acknowledge the actor’s ability to contribute meaningfully to a work of art. "Midnight in Paris" ultimately serves as a testament to how a filmmaker's vision and a talented actor can transcend personal animosities and deliver a memorable experience.

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• Quentin Tarantino 'can't stand' Owen Wilson — but still lists one of his movies as a modern classic

Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell is an experienced reporter with 10 years covering international news. He specializes in politics and economics, with strong investigative journalism and analytical writing skills.