Matt Reeves Defends Paul Dano Following Criticism From Quentin Tarantino
LOS ANGELES – Director Matt Reeves publicly defended actor Paul Dano on Thursday, responding to recent comments made by Quentin Tarantino that disparaged Dano’s performance in the 2007 film There Will Be Blood.Reeves, who directed Dano as The Riddler in the 2022 blockbuster The Batman, praised Dano as both an ”incredible actor” and “an incredible person” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The exchange highlights a clash in critical opinion regarding Dano, a consistently sought-after performer who has worked with some of Hollywood’s most acclaimed directors. Tarantino’s remarks, made during an appearance on The Bret easton Ellis Podcast, have ignited debate among film enthusiasts and raised questions about the subjective nature of acting assessment, notably as Reeves prepares to begin production on The Batman Part II.
Tarantino described Dano’s role in There Will Be Blood, opposite Daniel Day-Lewis, as a “big giant flaw” that prevented the film from reaching its full potential. “And the flaw is Paul Dano,” he stated.”Obviously, it’s supposed to be a two-hander, and it’s also so drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander. … He is weak sauce, man. He’s a weak sister.” He further clarified that he found Dano’s performance to be a “non-entity,” also expressing his dislike for actors Owen Wilson and matthew Lillard.
Despite Tarantino’s criticism, Dano has earned accolades throughout his career, collaborating with directors including Steven Spielberg and Denis Villeneuve. Reeves’ public support comes as he prepares to shoot The Batman Part II, with Scarlett Johansson recently entering final negotiations to join the cast in an undisclosed role.
