Matt Reeves Backs Paul Dano Against Quentin Tarantino’s Criticism
Recently, Matt Reeves publicly praised actor Paul Dano amid critical remarks from renowned director Quentin Tarantino. Reeves, who directed Dano in the acclaimed 2022 film The Batman, described Dano as “an incredible actor, and an incredible person” on social media platform X.
Reactions to Tarantino’s Criticism
The exchange began when Tarantino shared his opinion on Dano’s performance in the 2007 film There Will Be Blood. In a viral podcast appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the Oscar-winning director expressed that he found Dano’s portrayal lacking. He stated, “And the flaw is Paul Dano,” criticizing the film’s dynamic.
Details from the Podcast
- Tarantino ranked There Will Be Blood as his fifth favorite film of the 21st century.
- He mentioned that the film could have ranked higher if not for what he perceived as a flaw in Dano’s performance.
- Tarantino described Dano’s role as “weak sauce” and conveyed a lack of interest in Dano’s acting, contrasting it with the strong performances around him.
Despite Tarantino’s remarks, Dano has garnered attention for his performances under several esteemed directors, including Steven Spielberg and Denis Villeneuve. His role as Edward Nashton/The Riddler in The Batman was well-received by critics and audiences alike.
Future Projects for Matt Reeves and Paul Dano
In the wake of these events, Matt Reeves is preparing to start filming The Batman Part II. This anticipated sequel will feature new cast member Scarlett Johansson in an undisclosed role. The collaboration between Reeves and Dano continues to thrive, building on the success of their previous work.
Reeves’ defense of Dano highlights the complexities of acting critiques in the film industry, emphasizing that opinions on performances can greatly differ among filmmakers.