Batman 2 Co-Writer Defends Paul Dano Against Tarantino’s ‘Weak Sauce’ Comment

In the wake of criticism from renowned director Quentin Tarantino, Mattson Tomlin, co-writer of The Batman 2, has come to the defense of actor Paul Dano. Tarantino’s disparaging remarks about Dano’s performance in the film There Will Be Blood sparked backlash from fans and industry colleagues alike.

Quentin Tarantino’s Critique

During an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino labeled Dano as the “giant flaw” of the film. He expressed that There Will Be Blood could have been his top film of the 21st century had it not been for Dano’s performance. Tarantino’s comments were pointed: he described Dano as “weak sauce” and suggested that casting actor Austin Butler would have improved the film.

The Podcast Comments

• Tarantino said Dano was the “weakest actor in SAG” and criticized the film’s casting choices.
• He stated, “I’m not saying he’s giving a terrible performance. I’m saying he’s giving a non-entity performance.”
• Fans quickly rallied to defend Dano, citing his challenging role as one requiring immense skill.

Support for Paul Dano

Tomlin’s defense of Dano highlighted the actor’s talent and contributions to cinema. He shared on social media that Dano is “a terrific actor” and an “astonishing director.” Tomlin encouraged everyone to watch the film Wildlife, featuring Dano’s directorial talents.

Industry Reactions

• Simu Liu, known for his role in Shang-Chi, voiced his opinion, stating he believes Dano is an incredible actor.
• Dillon Freasier, a child actor in There Will Be Blood, praised the film’s casting and referred to it as a “work of art.”

The Impact of Dano’s Role

Dano’s portrayal of twins Paul and Eli Sunday in the 2007 film was accomplished under intense pressure. Initially cast to play only Paul, he stepped into the role of Eli just days before filming started due to the firing of another actor. Dano had only days to prepare for this demanding dual role, illustrating his versatility and dedication to the craft.

Director’s Praise

Daniel Day-Lewis, who starred alongside Dano, spoke highly of his co-star. He described Dano’s rapid adaptation to the role of Eli as remarkable, stating that he became a “fully formed character” despite the limited preparation time.

As discussions about There Will Be Blood continue in light of Tarantino’s comments, the support for Paul Dano reflects the complex dynamics of performance and interpretation in film. Fans and colleagues alike appreciate Dano’s contributions to cinema, countering negative critiques with positive reinforcement.