World’s Support Brings Gratitude
Paul Dano recently addressed Quentin Tarantino’s harsh critique of him in December, where the director labeled Dano as “a big, giant flaw” in “There Will Be Blood.” Tarantino described Dano as “the weakest fucking actor in SAG,” sparking significant backlash.
Public Support for Paul Dano
At the Sundance Film Festival’s 20th anniversary screening of “Little Miss Sunshine,” Dano expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from fans and colleagues. He remarked to Variety, “That was really nice. I was also incredibly grateful that the world spoke up for me so I didn’t have to.”
Co-stars Defend Dano
- Toni Collette, Dano’s co-star, immediately defended him. “Are we really going there? Fuck that guy! He must’ve been high… It was just confusing. Who does that?” she stated.
- Jonathan Dayton, co-director of “Little Miss Sunshine,” also criticized Tarantino, calling his comments an “embarrassment.” He suggested that Tarantino felt uncomfortable due to Dano’s raw performance.
Tarantino made his disparaging remarks during an interview on Bret Easton Ellis’s podcast. He didn’t limit his criticism to Dano; he also targeted actors Matthew Lillard and Owen Wilson, stating he had little regard for Lillard, which Lillard responded to as hurtful.
Matthew Lillard’s Reflection
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lillard reflected on the situation, saying it felt like “living through your own wake.” He appreciated the flood of supportive messages he received, saying, “I can’t imagine a more lovely reaction to what happened.”
Support from Hollywood
Numerous prominent figures in Hollywood rallied behind Dano, Lillard, and Wilson. George Clooney, while accepting an AARP award earlier this year, acknowledged he would be “honored to work with” any of the actors whom Tarantino disparaged.
The solidarity displayed toward Dano and his peers emphasizes the powerful support within the film industry, illustrating the significant impact that public opinion can have on its members.
