Quentin Tarantino, the acclaimed director known for his strong opinions, recently shared some rather harsh words about actor Paul Dano. In a recent appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino revealed his top 20 films of the 21st century. While the list itself sparked some debate, it was his comments regarding Paul Dano's performance in There Will Be Blood that truly raised eyebrows.
Tarantino's 'Giant Flaw'
Tarantino placed There Will Be Blood at number five on his list, but not without significant reservations. He declared Dano, who played the dual roles of Paul and Eli Sunday, as the film's "giant flaw." He went on to say that the film could have easily been his number one or two choice if it weren't for Dano's perceived weakness in the role.
"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," Tarantino stated. He compared Dano's performance unfavorably to that of Daniel Day-Lewis, who played oilman Daniel Plainview. "Obviously, it’s supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander. [Dano] is weak sauce, man. He’s a weak sister."
A Different Vision: Austin Butler as Eli Sunday?
Tarantino even suggested an alternative casting choice: Austin Butler, who was 16 at the time of the film's production. "Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role," Tarantino said. "[Dano] is just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy."
While Tarantino's opinion is certainly his own, it's worth noting that Dano's performance as Eli Sunday has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Many consider it a standout performance that perfectly complements Day-Lewis's portrayal of the ruthless Daniel Plainview. Whether you agree with Tarantino or not, his comments have undoubtedly ignited a fresh debate about Dano's contribution to the film.
- What do you think of Paul Dano's performance in There Will Be Blood?
- Do you agree with Tarantino's assessment?
- Who would you have cast in the role of Eli Sunday?