Quentin Tarantino is not one to hold back his opinions — and his latest round of commentary proves it once again.
The 62-year-old director has recently been making headlines for sharing his list of the top 20 films of the 21st Century. The rankings themselves created buzz, but it was his candid commentary during The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast that really grabbed attention.
While discussing the films that made the list, Tarantino didn’t shy away from critiquing certain actors — and he specifically called out three names he “doesn’t care for.”
Owen Wilson
Tarantino placed Woody Allen’s 2011 film Midnight in Paris at number 10 on his list. But despite praising the movie, he admitted he’s never been a fan of its leading man.
“I really can’t stand Owen Wilson. I spent the first time watching the movie loving it and hating him. The second time I watched it, I was like ‘Ah, OK, don’t be such a prick, he’s not so bad.’ Then, the third time I watched it, I found myself only watching him,” Quentin said.
It’s an unusually layered critique — part disdain, part reluctant appreciation — but undeniably blunt.
Paul Dano
Tarantino also named There Will Be Blood as one of his top films, but again, he took issue with a key actor.
“There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being #1 or #2 if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it … and the flaw is Paul Dano. Obviously, it’s supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander,” he said.
He didn’t stop there. “[Dano] is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister. Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role. He’s just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. The weakest f-cking actor in SAG [laughs].”
Tarantino’s critique is one of his most viral in recent memory — not only harsh, but extremely detailed.
Matthew Lillard
Finally, Tarantino rounded out the trio by naming another actor he doesn’t vibe with.
“I don’t care for him. I don’t care for Owen Wilson, I don’t care for Matthew Lillard,” he stated plainly.
The bluntness of the remark quickly spread online, sparking debate among fans and film lovers. Matthew Lillard, best known for Scream and Scooby-Doo, has a loyal cult following — so Tarantino’s dismissal definitely stirred conversation.
