George Clooney defends fellow actors in a recent response to Quentin Tarantino’s harsh public criticisms targeting Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard. The comments, which emerged after Tarantino condemned Dano’s performance on a popular podcast, have drawn strong backlash throughout Hollywood for their personal nature.
Tarantino’s Remarks Spark Outrage in Hollywood
Quentin Tarantino, known for directing classics like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, shared strong negative opinions about Paul Dano during an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis podcast. While discussing his favorite movies of the 21st century, Tarantino praised Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood but singled out Dano’s performance for criticism. He stated,
It’s supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander. [Dano] is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister,
adding that Dano is the weakest f***ing actor in SAG and called him a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. These direct comments triggered disapproval from other actors and filmmakers.
George Clooney’s Public Response
George Clooney, recognized for his starring role in Batman & Robin and his success as both actor and filmmaker, took the opportunity to respond to Tarantino during his acceptance speech at AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards. While accepting the Best Actor award for his role in Jay Kelly, Clooney offered clear support for those targeted by Tarantino’s remarks.
By the way, Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard, I would be honored to work with those actors. Honored,
Clooney stated, emphasizing the film’s creation by people who value actors.
He also highlighted the importance of kindness in the industry.
People I’ve known most of my life…actually, most of them are actors. I have a great affinity [for them], and I don’t enjoy watching people be cruel. We are living in a time of cruelty. We don’t need to be adding to it.
Ongoing Tension Between Clooney and Tarantino
The professional tension between Clooney and Tarantino is not new. Recent interviews reveal a simmering animosity, particularly after Tarantino made dismissive remarks about Clooney’s status as a “movie star.” Clooney recounted,
Quentin said some s*** about me recently, so I’m a little irritated by him,
describing how Tarantino dismissed his career after the year 2000.
And then he literally said something like, ‘Name me a movie since the millennium.’ And I was like, ‘Since the millennium? That’s kind of my whole f****** career,
Clooney added. His frustration culminated in,
So now I’m like, all right, dude, f*** off. I don’t mind giving him s***. He gave me s***.
Contrasts in Careers and Public Perceptions
Despite facing harsh words from Tarantino, Paul Dano’s career includes nominations for a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Meanwhile, Clooney himself boasts multiple accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, four Golden Globe Awards, and additional Emmy and Tony nominations. Tarantino’s own record includes two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes; however, some in the industry have noted his limited success as an actor contrasted with his renowned directing career.
Looking Ahead
This heated exchange spotlights the intense scrutiny and rivalry among Hollywood’s elite, as well as the importance of mutual respect in the industry. George Clooney’s stand against unnecessarily cruel commentary, particularly about well-respected peers, continues to resonate as debate swirls over public criticism and the long-term impact on Hollywood collaborations and reputations.
