Simu Liu Defends Paul Dano Against Tarantino’s Criticism: ‘Paul Dano Is an Incredible Actor’

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Quentin Tarantino has said that Paul Dano’s acting in There Will Be Blood was a weak point in an otherwise excellent movie.

In an interview on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Quentin Tarantino named the 2007 western-thriller as one of his top five movies from the 21st century. He added that the film might have ranked even higher if one of the actors had delivered a stronger performance.

Quentin Tarantino criticized Paul Dano’s performance, stating the film was intended to be a two-person story but Dano’s acting didn’t measure up. He bluntly described Dano as weak and ineffective in the role.

Quentin Tarantino complimented Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar-winning performance in the film, stating that Day-Lewis is such a strong actor he doesn’t rely on having a powerful scene partner. Tarantino explained, “Day-Lewis proves he doesn’t need a strong counterpart. The movie would have been better served – had more depth – if it had been a true back-and-forth between two leads, but it wasn’t.”

Bret Easton Ellis thought Daniel Day-Lewis’s powerful performance might have outshone Paul Dano. Quentin Tarantino strongly disagreed, and reportedly said, “You’re comparing him to the worst male actor in the Screen Actors Guild? To someone completely lacking charisma?”

Quentin Tarantino’s opinion wasn’t universally shared. Actor Simu Liu publicly supported Paul Dano, tweeting, “I think Paul Dano is an incredible actor,” in response to Tarantino’s remarks.

The conflict has led to discussions among both fans and actors regarding Paul Dano’s acting and Quentin Tarantino’s strong criticism of it.

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2025-12-04 17:44