Industry Backs Paul Dano After Quentin Tarantino Criticises His There Will Be Blood Performance
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Quentin Tarantino’s latest comments about Paul Dano have stirred debate across Hollywood, prompting a strong wave of support for the actor. Speaking on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the Kill Bill director revisited Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 classic There Will Be Blood, calling Dano the film’s “big, giant flaw.”
Tarantino claimed the dynamic between Daniel Day-Lewis and Dano felt unbalanced, describing Dano as “weak sauce” and even referring to him as “the weakest actor in SAG.” The remarks quickly spread online, provoking immediate reactions from filmmakers and actors who have worked closely with Dano.
Matt Reeves, who directed Dano in The Batman (2022), publicly defended him, calling him “an incredible actor and an incredible person.” Reeves highlighted the depth and intensity Dano brought to the Riddler, a performance widely praised for its unsettling psychological layers.
Mattson Tomlin, writer of The Batman Part II, added that he was glad to see widespread support for Dano, praising him as “a terrific actor” and “an astonishing director,” referencing Dano’s acclaimed directorial debut Wildlife. Ben Stiller also joined the chorus, writing simply: “Paul Dano is f-ing brilliant.”
The exchange has revived conversation about Dano’s performance in There Will Be Blood, a role many critics at the time praised for its tension and raw emotional power. While Day-Lewis’s towering performance often dominates discussions, the industry response suggests a strong consensus that Dano’s contribution remains deeply respected.
Our Thoughts:
The strong and immediate industry defence of Paul Dano underscores the respect he commands among filmmakers and actors. While Tarantino’s criticisms sparked debate, the overwhelming support reaffirmed Dano’s artistic credibility and his impact across some of the most acclaimed films of the past two decades.
