Quentin tarantino Declares “There Will Be Blood” Flawed, Cites Paul Dano‘s Performance
Quentin Tarantino, the celebrated filmmaker, recently shared his ranking of the best films of the 21st century, placing Paul thomas Anderson’s 2007 western-thriller, There Will Be Blood, at number five. However, he qualified his praise with a meaningful critique, stating the film coudl have easily topped his list were it not for one key issue.
Tarantino pinpointed Paul Dano’s performance as the film’s central weakness. He argued that the movie, intended as a dynamic two-hander, ultimately failed to achieve that balance.
Here’s a breakdown of Tarantino’s assessment:
* He believes Dano’s portrayal lacked the necessary strength to truly contend with Daniel Day-Lewis‘s commanding performance.
* The director described Dano’s work as “weak sauce” and a “weak sister,” suggesting it didn’t provide a compelling counterweight to Day-Lewis’s intensity.
* Tarantino emphasized that Day-Lewis’s talent was so immense he didn’t need a strong co-star, but the film would have benefited from one.
He further elaborated that Dano delivered a “non-entity” performance, lacking the impact required for a central role. You might be surprised to learn that Tarantino also expressed similar reservations about actors Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard.
The core of the issue,according to Tarantino,is that There Will Be Blood was conceived as a clash of titans,but only one titan truly emerged. He questioned how the film could feature what he considers the “weakest male actor in SAG,” and the “limpest dick in the world?”
Despite this critique, Tarantino readily acknowledged Daniel Day-Lewis’s exceptional performance, which rightfully earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He praised Day-Lewis’s ability to carry the film, noting that his performance was a “powerhouse” and a “saga of a soul-dead oil man.”
There Will Be Blood garnered significant recognition during awards season, ultimately winning two Oscars: Best Actor for Day-Lewis and Best Cinematography. The film received a total of eight nominations, demonstrating its widespread critical acclaim.
Ultimately, Tarantino’s commentary highlights the importance of ensemble dynamics in filmmaking. While a singular, brilliant performance can elevate a film, a truly compelling narrative often requires a strong interplay between characters. This discussion underscores the subjective nature of film criticism and the enduring power of There Will Be Blood to spark debate, even years after its release.
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