Although There Will Be Blood is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino expressed unusually stern criticism toward Paul Dano’s performance in the film. Released in the mid-2000s, this Paul Thomas Anderson epic stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a determined prospector hunting for oil, and features a strong supporting cast including Dano in dual roles.
While the film itself has been praised for its complex characters and storytelling, Tarantino singled out Dano’s acting as falling short of expectations, despite the overall acclaim the cast received. This exception in Tarantino’s otherwise positive view of the movie stands out given its status as one of the most influential films of the century.
Tarantino’s Nuanced Views on Dano’s Role in the Film
Tarantino is known for his candid critiques of classic cinema, and his opinion on There Will Be Blood followed this tradition. Though he admired the movie’s qualities broadly, his main dissatisfaction centered on Paul Dano’s portrayal of the Sunday brothers. At the time, Dano was a relatively unknown actor with limited experience, which Tarantino believed showed in his performance.
The director acknowledged the merits in Dano’s work, saying,
“[…] not that the performance is bad, there’s nothing bad about it, it just does seem a compromise. He’s just not in the level and the caliber of Daniel Day-Lewis and if the two characters are meant to be combats throughout the film, then Daniel Day-Lewis is Muhammed Ali and Paul Dano is Jerry Corey. It is what it is.”
—Quentin Tarantino, Director
Initially cast as only one of the Sunday twins, Paul Sunday, Dano took on an expanded challenge when the actor playing Eli Sunday left the project. Director Paul Thomas Anderson rewrote parts of the script, assigning both roles to Dano, a decision that echoed the tradition of Western films featuring dual roles. Tarantino’s own Django Unchained similarly used an actor to play twin characters, highlighting the comparative nature of such casting choices.
Arguments Supporting Paul Dano’s Strong Performance
Many critics and viewers have disputed Tarantino’s critique, suggesting it unfairly compares Dano to Daniel Day-Lewis, whose iconic leading role naturally demanded greater depth and presence. Paul Dano’s role, though smaller, required the actor to portray two distinct characters with different motivations, a demanding feat for someone at the start of their career.
Dano reflected on his experience with the film in an interview, explaining the constraints he faced:
“I was cast at the last minute. I had three and a half to four days to get ready for the first day. I just went for it, threw myself in there and gave it everything I had. That was just guts and instinct, not a lot of preparation. I was in good hands with Paul and Daniel, I felt I had to cut loose and go for it.”
—Paul Dano, Actor
Despite the rush and pressure, Dano delivered a compelling dual performance that earned him a BAFTA nomination and wide recognition. His ability to embody both Paul and Eli Sunday added nuanced layers to the story, enhancing the film’s overall impact rather than detracting from it.
The rewriting of scenes and last-minute expansion of his role demonstrated Dano’s adaptability and commitment, qualities that contributed significantly to the film’s emotional complexity.
The Significance of Tarantino’s Critique and Dano’s Performance
Tarantino’s comments highlight the challenges actors can face when stepping into demanding roles under tight timelines, especially when paired with iconic performances such as Daniel Day-Lewis’s. While his critique remains a minority view, it sheds light on the diverse opinions that classic films can evoke even decades after release.
Paul Dano’s work in There Will Be Blood remains a milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to rise to unexpected challenges and hold his own in a cast led by one of cinema’s greatest actors. As Dano’s career continues to evolve, this early role underscores his potential and resilience in intense, character-driven films.
For fans of There Will Be Blood and strong cinematic performances, the discussion around Dano’s work serves as a reminder of the nuances involved in acting and critical reception, illustrating how even classic films invite ongoing analysis.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Quentin Tarantino neurodivergent?
A. Famous filmmakers like Steve McQueen, David Lean, and Charlie Chaplin, along with others, are recognized as neurodivergent individuals.
Other directors, including Stan Brakhage, Stanley Kubrick, and Steven Spielberg, also fall into this category.
Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu are well-known neurodivergent filmmakers as well.
