For context, the comments came when Quentin appeared on The Bret Easton Ellis Show. podcast this week to select the 20 best films of the 21st century. He posted Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood at number 5. The film is about a ruthless oil explorer in early 20th century California, starring Paul Dano and Daniel Day-Lewis. Paul was only 22 years old when the film was made and he played two characters, brothers Eli Sunday and Paul Sunday.
“There Will Be Blood would have had a good chance of being No. 1 or No. 2 if it didn't have a big, giant flaw… and that flaw is Paul Dano,” Quentin said of the Oscar-winning film. “Obviously it's supposed to be a two-hander, but it's also very obvious that it's not a two-hander. [Paul] It's weak sauce, man. He's a weak sister.”
Suggesting that Austin Butler (who was about 16 years old at the time of the film's release) would have been a better choice, Quentin called Paul “such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy” and branded him “the weakest actor in SAG.”
Now is probably a good time to mention that Paul's performance in the film was highly acclaimed by critics, which is especially impressive when you learn that he was cast in both roles, reportedly with only several days notice.
It didn't take long for Quentin's horrific comments to go viral, and it's no wonder people online are shocked and outraged.
On a more positive note, however, this has prompted many film fans to show their support for Paul and praise his work.
OK, time to reconsider Prisoners, BatmanAND There Will Be Blood. Paul Dano, the public loves you.
