Tarantino's Worst Take So Far Is Slamming This 'There Will Be Blood' Actor: "Weak Sauce"

Quentin Tarantino is known for his uncompromising and often provocative stance on film, and he has once again found himself in the spotlight.

On The Bret Ellis Podcast, the director presented a list of his favorite movie of the 21st century. His comments on one of the era's most notable films, Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood, sparked heated discussion.

Quentin Tarantino Slams Paul Dano's Performance in 'There Will Be Blood'

Tarantino called the movie brilliant but claimed it was ruined by what he considered to be one fatal flaw: Paul Dano's performance. Quentin said:

“There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being #1 or #2 if it didn't have a big, giant flaw in it and the flaw is Paul Dano. Obviously, it's supposed to be a two-hander, but it's also drastically obvious that it's not a two-hander.

[Dano] is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister. Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role. He's just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. The weakest f*cking actor in SAG.”

What Is 'There Will Be Blood' About?

Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood is an epic parable about greed, ambition, and the illusory nature of the American Dream. The audience follows the story of Daniel Plainview, who is brilliantly portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis.

Starting out as a penniless prospector raising his son alone, Plainview becomes a ruthless oil tycoon. His quest for wealth leads him to the remote town of Little Boston, where oil rivers lie hidden beneath the poor soil.

There, he encounters the charismatic and cunning preacher Eli Sunday, played by Paul Dano.

Paul Dano Had Only Four Days to Prepare for His Role in 'There Will Be Blood'

The story behind Paul Dano's role lends it more significance. Initially, Dano was offered a minor role as Eli's brother, Paul.

However, after filming had already begun, Paul Thomas Anderson decided to replace the actor playing the main antagonist, the preacher Eli. Dano was offered the role, and he had just four days to rethink his approach completely and prepare for the complex, two-faced character.

The brothers became twins, and Dano played two diametrically opposed roles in one film – which he did brilliantly.

Sorry, Quentin Tarantino, but You're Wrong

Both critics and viewers agree that Paul Dano's dual performance as the meek Paul and the fanatical, greedy Eli is one of the movie's greatest achievements.

Dano managed to rise above Daniel Day-Lewis's titanic performance, creating a worthy and charismatic antagonist. Dano's portrayal of Eli is not a "weak sauce," but rather the perfect embodiment of a hypocritical, poisonous faith that is as old as Plainview's greed.

Dano's ability to hold his own against Day-Lewis by matching his edgy, piercing energy elevated him to the top tier of Hollywood actors, and his performance remains one of the most underrated in modern cinema.

Where to Watch 'There Will Be Blood'?

There Will Be Blood is available to stream on Paramount+.