Dano defended after Tarantino slams performance

Quentin Tarantino’s recent criticism of Paul Dano has sparked a wave of support for the actor from colleagues and admirers, following remarks the director made during an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast.

While listing his 20 favorite films of the 21st century, Tarantino included Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood, but singled out Dano’s performance as the film’s primary flaw.

He described Dano as “weak sauce” and called him the “weakest… actor in SAG,” comments that quickly circulated across social media and prompted vigorous debate among cinephiles and industry insiders.

Responses defending Dano emerged almost immediately. Mattson Tomlin, co-writer of The Batman: Part II, took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Dano’s versatility and skill.

Tomlin described Dano not only as a strong actor but also as a filmmaker with “tremendous empathy,” highlighting the actor’s ability to imbue characters with depth and nuance.

Dano’s recent portrayal of the Riddler in Matt Reeves’ 2022 The Batman left audiences and critics intrigued, and while his return to the franchise remains unconfirmed, Tomlin’s remarks underscored the respect Dano commands within the industry.

Dillon Freasier, who played the young H.W. Plainview in There Will Be Blood, also weighed in to defend Dano in comments to TMZ. Freasier praised the film as “a work of art” and credited its impact to the ensemble cast being “perfectly” chosen.

He rejected Tarantino’s suggestion that Austin Butler might have been a better fit for Dano’s role, pointing out that Butler would have been only 16 when the film premiered in 2007, making the casting impractical and misaligned with the character’s age and dynamic.

Simu Liu, star of Barbie and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, added his voice of support on X/Twitter, calling Dano “an incredible actor” and emphasizing his range across film and television.

Journalist Jamie Graham further argued that Dano’s deliberately fragile and uneasy performance in There Will Be Blood was essential to the tension and complexity of the movie, creating a compelling contrast with Daniel Day-Lewis’ commanding portrayal of Daniel Plainview.

The debate highlights the subjective nature of performance evaluation, particularly in films that have become cultural landmarks.

While Tarantino’s comments have drawn attention due to his influence as a director and critic, the overwhelming response from peers and fans reinforces Dano’s reputation as a talented and respected actor.

Many see his work as a crucial element in the film’s enduring legacy, illustrating how nuanced performances can resonate differently with each viewer.