Paul Dano Breaks Silence On Quentin Tarantino’s Harsh Criticism Of Him

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Paul Dano has addressed Quentin Tarantino’s past criticism of his acting in the 2007 film There Will Be Blood.

During a controversial podcast conversation, Quentin Tarantino sharply criticized several actors, including Paul Dano, famously calling him “the weakest actor in SAG.” When asked about this during an interview with Variety at the Sundance Film Festival, Dano’s Little Miss Sunshine co-star, Toni Collette, quickly intervened. She defended Dano, dismissing Tarantino’s comments as absurd and suggesting he may have been mistaken.

Seriously? That guy is unbelievable! He must have been out of his mind – it was all so bizarre. I can’t believe anyone would act like that.

Dano didn’t respond to the director’s harsh words, but he was thankful for the support of his fans and coworkers, who all spoke up against Tarantino on his behalf. He was deeply moved by how many people defended his performance.

That was very kind. I really appreciated everyone offering their support, because it took a weight off my shoulders.

Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, the directors of Little Miss Sunshine, also responded to the criticism. Dayton said Tarantino’s comments were awkward, suggesting he might not have connected with Paul Dano’s complex character in There Will Be Blood. He believes Dano’s intensely realistic performance likely made Tarantino uneasy because it didn’t fit neatly into any easy category.

Farris was pleased and touched by the strong support shown for Paul Dano. She highlighted his intelligence and emphasized how well-respected and liked he is within the entertainment industry, noting many people quickly came to his defense.

During an interview on Bret Easton Ellis’ podcast two months ago, actor Paul Dano faced criticism from Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino was discussing his favorite movies from the 21st century and offered harsh critiques of several actors, including Dano. While he included the film There Will Be Blood on his list, Tarantino said it would have ranked higher if Dano’s performance had been stronger.

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2026-01-29 05:58