Welsh director Jamie Adams has revealed that Quentin Tarantino‘s true passion has always been acting, a fact that helped secure the Oscar-winning filmmaker for a key role in Adams’ new film, Only What We Carry. This French drama, set to release soon, features Tarantino in his most substantial acting part in three decades, marking an important return to performing for the celebrated director. The film centers on a former student who revisits her past, uncovering deep-seated truths among a group of connected characters.
A Rare Acting Opportunity for Tarantino in a French Drama
Only six days of filming were available for Tarantino’s role, yet Adams described his performance as remarkable and natural. The film also includes performances by Sofia Boutella, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lizzy McAlpine, Liam Hellmann, and Simon Pegg. Adams commented on Tarantino’s approach, stating,
Tarantino proved to be an exceptional actor. Naturally gifted,
highlighting his inherent talent in front of the camera.
The director emphasized Tarantino’s enthusiasm for the process, noting,
He was wonderful. Curious. Collaborative. He loves actors. He loves cinema history. Being in France making something that felt inspired by Eric Rohmer excited him,
during an interview with Variety. Adams observed Tarantino’s reflective mindset, explaining,
It felt like he was in a moment of contemplation,
amid the filmmaker’s recent decision to cancel what was anticipated to be his final directing work, The Movie Critic.
Approach and Connection That Drew Tarantino Back to Acting
Adams approached Tarantino with honesty and respect for his acting ambitions, which date back many years. He remarked,
“I also knew that his first love was acting. When I was younger, it was common knowledge that he wanted to act — he speaks first in Reservoir Dogs. So I appealed to that side of him.”
Tarantino first stepped in front of the camera with his 1992 debut film, Reservoir Dogs, and frequently made brief appearances in his own movies such as Inglourious Basterds and Pulp Fiction. Beyond his directorial projects, Tarantino has taken on minor roles in various film and television productions. His most notable acting role before this was in Robert Rodriguez’s 1996 action-horror film From Dusk Till Dawn, where he starred alongside George Clooney.
Invitation to Improvise and Receive the Role
Jamie Adams sent Tarantino a story outline accompanied by a letter expressing his belief in Tarantino’s skills as an actor. Adams explained,
I sent him the story outline and a letter. I was just very honest about believing in him as an actor,
and further described his improvisational method:
Improvisation, the way I use it, is about being present and reacting organically. He’s one of the greatest conversational storytellers. I thought that would be incredible in character. I didn’t think I’d hear back. But two weeks later, on a Sunday, his agent emailed saying Quentin was intrigued and wanted a Zoom.
Future Prospects and Director-Actors in Cinema
Looking ahead, Adams expressed interest in working with other filmmakers who want to explore acting, naming Martin Scorsese as an ideal candidate for his next project. He remarked,
It’s time for the directors who really want to be actors to come and improvise,
adding,
[French filmmaker François] Truffaut was a great actor. So many of them are frustrated actors.
This highlights a broader creative movement where directors explore their own talents in front of the camera as well as behind it.
