Top 10 films of Paul Dano – the actor Quentin Tarantino called the worst (11 photos)

Just recently, Quentin Tarantino, known for his love of publicly discussing the film industry, suddenly made rather unflattering remarks about actor Paul Dano. The statement was made on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, where the director shared his impressions of the film "There Will Be Blood." Tarantino claimed that the brilliant film could have topped his personal list of the best films of the 21st century if not for "one big, gigantic flaw"—Dano's performance. He called the actor "a weak, uninteresting guy" and even "the weakest fucking actor in SAG" (Screen Actors Guild), emphasizing that Daniel Day-Lewis literally "eats him alive" on screen.

It would seem that Quentin Tarantino is a luminary of world cinema, able to do and say whatever he pleases. However, modern society, no longer living in the world of "Pulp Fiction," has almost unanimously sided with the 41-year-old actor. People agreed that Tarantino, who has been struggling to make his tenth film and who himself once said that directors get dumber after 60, has clearly overstepped his bounds and urgently needs to take some pills. With his statement, the director clearly lowered his own standing somewhat, while significantly increasing the interest of film fans in Paul Dano, who, incidentally, has a very solid filmography.

There Will Be Blood (2007)





Well, that's clear. As Quentin said, the film was supposed to feature a confrontation between two equal forces—Daniel Plainview and the preacher Eli—but Paul Dano's performance, in the director's opinion, was too weak for such a scale. Indeed, Day-Lewis's intensity would likely outshine any modern actor, including those with whom Tarantino himself has ever worked.

Nevertheless, many believe that Dano also excelled in the role of the fanatical and hypocritical preacher, creating a convincing portrayal of a religious manipulator. His performance was far from weak, but rather masterfully restrained, allowing him to stand up to Day-Lewis's power. This is confirmed by his BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor, which speaks volumes about the high acclaim his work has received from the professional community.

Swiss Army Man (2016)



Everyone remembers Daniel Radcliffe's brilliant, conceptual performance as a corpse, but who was responsible for all the action? Incidentally, it was "Swiss Army Man" that first introduced audiences to the quirky, fresh approach of the then-little-known studio A24.

Here, Dano is a desperate young man stranded on a desert island. He discovers a corpse and uses its every resource to survive and find meaning in life. Paul bears the brunt of this strange story's emotional weight, interacting with the dead body and carrying not only Radcliffe but the entire film along with him.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)





Paul plays a nihilistic teenager obsessed with becoming a pilot and vowed silence until he enrolls in a flight academy. For much of the film, Dano communicates only through notes and facial expressions. His piercing, hysterical monologue, upon learning of his color blindness and the collapse of his dreams, is one of the film's most powerful moments.

Batman (2022)



Dano portrays the maniacal sociopath and serial killer The Riddler, who leaves cryptic messages for Batman. Dano's performance is characterized by nerves, unpredictability, and a frightening intensity, especially in the second half of the film, when we see the villain unmasked.

Okja (2017)



Jay is an activist for the radical animal rights group ALF (Animal Liberation Front). Unlike his impulsive leader, Jay is a quiet, principled, and morally stable member of the team. Dano portrays him as a conscientious and dedicated individual who abhors violence against animals and people, standing out for his calm amid the chaos.

Ruby Sparks (2012)



Dano plays a young, reclusive writer who, suffering from writer's block and loneliness, invents the girl of his dreams, Ruby Sparks. The most surprising thing happens when Ruby materializes in his house. Pooh-pooh-pooh. Dano follows his character's journey from falling in love with and controlling the imaginary girl to realizing the need to let her go and accept reality. The actor stars alongside his co-star Zoe Kazan, who also wrote the film's screenplay.

Prisoners (2013)



The actor plays the key suspect in the disappearance of two young girls. His character is a withdrawn, socially awkward young man with intellectual disabilities who becomes the subject of brutal interrogation by the father of one of the victims. Dano masterfully conveys his character's vulnerability and ambiguity, leaving the audience questioning his guilt and outshining the powerful performances of Jackman and Gyllenhaal.

The Fabelmans (2022)



In Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film, Dano plays a computer engineer and the protagonist's father, a man of science and rationality who doesn't always understand his son's creative impulses. He embodies the image of a loving but emotionally distant father, whose family problems become the catalyst for the development of the young director.

Youth (2015)



This is a film by Paolo Sorrentino. Here, Dano is a famous Hollywood actor struggling with a creative crisis and preparing for his next big role. He constantly analyzes his work and ponders why audiences remember him for minor roles (like Hitler) rather than for serious dramatic work. Dano conveys melancholy and self-discovery in the art world. See how different he is here.

12 Years a Slave (2013)



Oh, how unpleasant he is here. Dano plays the cruel and arrogant overseer and carpenter who works on Solomon Northup's plantation. His character embodies the baseness and sadism of the slave system. Although a minor role, Dano creates a vivid and terrifying portrayal of the young slave owner, whose arrogance and hatred of Solomon, the main character, lead to conflicts and attempted lynchings.

Bonus: Wildlife (2017) — Director's Work



This is Paul Dano's directorial debut. Yes, he and Tarantino are actually colleagues. Paul also co-wrote the screenplay (along with his co-star Zoe Kazan). The film tells the story of a family's breakdown through the eyes of their teenage son. Although Dano didn't star in this film, his directorial style is distinguished by subtlety, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of human relationships, demonstrating his multifaceted talent behind the scenes.

Paul Dano is only 41 years old, and he looks remarkably like the actor who will one day land an Oscar-winning role. Of course, such criticism from Quentin Tarantino is misplaced and only hurts Quentin himself, whose successes are likely a thing of the past. Now he can only hope for the "Golden Podcaster of the Year" award and appear on various TV shows, talking about the films he once made.