Paul Dano: Fans Defend Actor After Tarantino's Criticism
Following Quentin Tarantino's critical remarks, fans are rushing to the defense of Paul Dano, particularly regarding his role in "There Will Be Blood." This controversy has sparked widespread discussion about Dano's acting abilities and Tarantino's film opinions.
The acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino recently shared his list of favorite films from the 21st century on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. While he placed Ridley Scott's "Black Hawk Down" at number one, his about "There Will Be Blood," specifically concerning Paul Dano's performance, ignited a debate online.
Tarantino suggested that "There Will Be Blood" could have been his top pick, but he considers Paul Dano to be its "giant flaw." Dano received a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of twins Paul and Eli Sunday in the 2007 film.
According to Deadline, Tarantino stated, "There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being number one or number two if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it … and the flaw is Paul Dano." He further added, "[Dano] is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister." He even suggested that Austin Butler would have been a better fit for the role.
Bret Easton Ellis, author of "American Psycho," posited that Dano faced the daunting task of competing with Daniel Day-Lewis's formidable, Oscar-winning performance. Tarantino responded by questioning whether Day-Lewis should have been paired with "the weakest male actor in SAG?"
He later clarified that he wasn't necessarily criticizing Dano's performance as terrible, but rather as a "non-entity performance." Despite this clarification, Tarantino's feelings were clear: "I don't care for him," he said, also mentioning Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard.
Fans Defend Paul Dano's Performance
Following Tarantino's controversial remarks, many fans have come forward to defend Paul Dano's portrayal in "There Will Be Blood," emphasizing the circumstances surrounding his casting.
Dano was initially cast solely as Paul, but stepped into the role of Eli just two weeks into filming after the original actor, Kel O'Neill, was dismissed. This meant Dano had limited time to prepare for the dual roles.
One fan tweeted, "Tarantino's statement on Paul Dano is wrong on so many levels. He holds himself strong opposite a legend like DDL... he crafts a rich character but also two different characters. It's one of the great performances. It really is."
Dano himself acknowledged the challenges he faced, stating in an interview, "On There Will Be Blood I was cast at the last minute. I had 3 1/2 to 4 days to get ready for the first day. That was just guts and instinct, not a lot of preparation."
Daniel Day-Lewis Praised Dano's Performance
Adding another layer to the discussion, Daniel Day-Lewis praised Paul Dano's performance in a interview prior to the film's release. He recounted the initial casting challenges and how Dano stepped up with minimal preparation.
Day-Lewis described Dano's quick adaptation, saying, "He came out on a Friday evening and we were shooting scenes on Monday with him... I swear to God on set that day he was a recognisable, fully formed character."
Since "There Will Be Blood," Dano has garnered critical acclaim for his roles in films such as "12 Years a Slave" and "Prisoners," and he received considerable praise for his portrayal of the Riddler in 2022's "The Batman."
Paul Dano's Talent Endures
The debate sparked by Quentin Tarantino's highlights the subjective nature of film criticism. Despite Tarantino's views, Paul Dano has consistently demonstrated his talent and versatility through a variety of roles, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. His work in "There Will Be Blood," regardless of opinions, remains a significant part of his impressive career.