Quentin Tarantino stirred controversy recently by criticizing Paul Dano's performance in the acclaimed film There Will Be Blood. During a podcast, Tarantino expressed that Dano, who portrayed twins Paul and Eli Sunday, was the film's "big, giant flaw," suggesting he was the "weakest f***ing actor in SAG." He claimed that this overshadowed the remarkable performance of Daniel Day-Lewis, labeling Dano's acting as a "non-entity performance." This sparked a strong backlash from fans who came to Dano's defense, highlighting his commendable achievements, including his portrayal of the Riddler in The Batman and the challenges he faced preparing for his dual roles in There Will Be Blood on short notice. Dano's journey from a last-minute casting choice at just 23 years old to a significant figure in Hollywood illustrates a remarkable career that deserves recognition rather than dismissal.

Why did Quentin Tarantino criticize Paul Dano's performance in There Will Be Blood?

Tarantino argued that Dano's acting weakened the impact of the film, claiming it prevented the dynamic from being a true two-hander with Daniel Day-Lewis, whose performance he hailed. He suggested that casting a more capable actor would have improved the film's overall dynamic.

There Will Be Blood, released in 2007 and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is a historical drama based on the novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair. The film follows the ruthless oilman Daniel Plainview, played by Daniel Day-Lewis, as he navigates the complexities of wealth, family, and ambition in late 19th century California. Its critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Cinematography, place it among the top films of the 21st century, even as it faces varying opinions regarding its supporting cast.