Quentin Tarantino Opens Up About His Dislike for Owen Wilson
Quentin Tarantino recently shared his candid opinions about Owen Wilson and other actors while discussing his top 20 films of the 21st century, revealing surprising contradictions and strong feelings.
During a recent appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Quentin Tarantino didn’t hold back when it came to his feelings about certain actors. While unveiling his list of the 20 best movies since 2000, the acclaimed director made it clear that he has a strong aversion to Owen Wilson—even though he included a film starring Wilson among his favorites.
Conflicted Feelings About a Favorite Film
One of the movies Tarantino ranked in his top ten is Woody Allen’s 2011 film, Midnight in Paris, which features Wilson in a leading role. Despite the film’s high placement, Tarantino admitted,
I really can’t stand Owen Wilson,
and doubled down on his opinion, saying,
I mean, I can’t stand him.
He went on to describe his experience watching the movie for the first time:
I spent the first time watching the movie loving it and hating him.
Over subsequent viewings, his perspective shifted slightly.
The second time I watched the movie, I was like, ‘Ah, okay, don’t be such a prick. He’s not so bad. He’s not so bad.’ And then the third time I watched it, I found myself watching him.
As of now, Wilson has not responded to these remarks.
Harsh Words for Other Actors
Wilson isn’t the only actor to draw Tarantino’s ire. The director also criticized Paul Dano’s performance in There Will Be Blood, which he ranked fifth on his list. Tarantino commented,
There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being one or two if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it … and the flaw is Paul Dano.
He continued,
Obviously, it’s supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander. He is weak sauce, man. He’s a weak sister. Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role. [Dano is] just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. The weakest fucking actor in SAG [Screen Actors Guild].
Like Wilson, Dano has yet to issue any public response.
Tarantino’s Top 20 Films of the 21st Century
Despite his strong opinions about certain actors, Tarantino’s list of favorite films is diverse and wide-ranging. Here are his picks for the best movies released since 2000:
1. Black Hawk Down
2. Toy Story 3
3. Lost In Translation
4. Dunkirk
5. There Will Be Blood
6. Zodiac
7. Unstoppable
8. Mad Max: Fury Road
9. Shaun of the Dead
10. Midnight in Paris
11. Battle Royale
12. Big Bad Wolves
13. Jackass: The Movie
14. School Of Rock
15. The Passion Of The Christ
16. The Devil’s Rejects
17. Chocolate
18. Moneyball
19. Cabin Fever
20. West Side Story