Tarantino Hates This Actor But Still Loves One of His Movies
A legendary director recently shared his list of favorite films from this century, and his picks are raising eyebrows. One of his top choices features a star he openly despises, and he didn't hold back in explaining why. Find out which movie made the cut despite the director's harsh feelings.
During a recent appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Quentin Tarantino shared his definitive ranking of the top 20 movies of the 21st century. But along with his praise came some surprisingly harsh criticism for a well-known actor who stars in one of his favorite pictures.
A Strange Affection for "Midnight in Paris"
The film in question is Woody Allen’s 2011 feature, *Midnight in Paris*, which landed at number ten on the director's list. Despite its high placement, Tarantino made his feelings about its star, Owen Wilson, crystal clear.
“I really can’t stand Owen Wilson,” he bluntly told Easton Ellis, emphasizing his point by repeating, “I mean, I can’t stand him.” He described his viewing experience as a battle between his admiration for the movie and his aversion to its lead. “I spent the first time watching the movie loving it and hating him,” he confessed. However, his opinion softened over time. “The second time I watched the movie, I was like, ‘Ah, okay, don’t be such a prick. He’s not so bad. He’s not so bad.’ And then the third time I watched it, I found myself watching him.” As of now, Wilson has not publicly commented on the remarks.
Another Star Under Fire
Wilson wasn't the only actor to be singled out. Tarantino also delivered a brutal takedown of Paul Dano’s peformance in *There Will Be Blood*. While the movie secured the fifth spot on his list, the director believes it has a significant weakness.
“There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being one or two if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it … and the flaw is Paul Dano,” Tarantino stated. He felt the dynamic between the two leads was unbalanced. “Obviously, it’s supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander.” He didn't mince words, calling Dano “weak sauce, man. He’s a weak sister. Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role. [Dano is] just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. The weakest fucking actor in SAG [Screen Actors Guild].” Dano has also remained silent on the matter.
The Complete Top 20 List
The acclaimed director's full list of the best movies since 2000 is as follows:
1. Black Hawk Down
2. Toy Story 3
3. Lost In Translation
4. Dunkirk
5. There Will Be Blood
6. Zodiac
7. Unstoppable
8. Mad Max: Fury Road
9. Shaun of the Dead
10. Midnight in Paris
11. Battle Royale
12. Big Bad Wolves
13. Jackass: The Movie
14. School Of Rock
15. The Passion Of The Christ
16. The Devil’s Rejects
17. Chocolate
18. Moneyball
19. Cabin Fever
20. West Side Story