Apart from being filled with references to popular culture and extended dialogues, another notable ingredient that makes Quentin Tarantinon’s work stand out is his use of stylized violence. But over the years, the acclaimed filmmaker has landed in several controversies following his use of excessive violence and the use of the N-word in his films.
Although the Pulp Fiction director addressed the above subjects on many occasions throughout his career, the director lost his cool after being bombarded with the same question during an interview.
Quentin Tarantino Had No Intentions To Entertain the Same Question
Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the lead presenter of Channel 4, has found himself in hot waters following his tendency to delve into uncharted territories during interviews. One infamous case involved Robert Downey Jr. walking out from the interview after Guru-Murthy touched on the actor’s past despite being previously warned. However, instead of opting to walk out during his Django Unchained interview, Quentin Tarantino decided to give the presenter a piece of his mind.
On asked about his obsession with violence in films, Tarantino cheekily responded, “It’s like asking Judd Apatow, ‘Why do you like making comedies?”. The director, who had touched on this subject on numerous occasions before, once again drew a clear distinction between reality and fiction, stressing that it’s fantasy. However, after being further pushed about its implications on the real world, Tarantino refused to further engage in the conversation and exemplify his perspective.
I don’t want to talk about it cuz I said everything I have to say about it. If anyone cares what I have to say about it, they can google me and they can look for 20 years what I have to say but I haven’t changed my… opinion one iota
He also said “I’m shutting your butt down” when told by Guru-Murthy that he hasn’t fleshed out his views, as Tarantino clarified it’s not his job to flesh things out but to ask the audience and try to.
Samuel L. Jackson on Quentin Tarantino’s Usage of the N-Word
Apart from finding himself in media headlines following his depiction of violence in movies, Quentin Tarantino has also been criticized for his use of the N-word in his flicks. When asked about it, the director once bluntly said, “You should see [something else]”. Moreover, the Oscar winner’s longtime collaborator Samuel L. Jackson, who also starred in Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained, came to Tarantino’s defense of using the N-word in his films.
He said:
Every time someone wants an example of overuse of the N-word, they go to Quentin — it’s unfair. He’s just telling the story and the characters do talk like that. When [’12 Years a Slave’ director] Steve McQueen does it, it’s art. He’s an artiste. Quentin’s just a popcorn filmmaker.
It’s important to keep in mind that most Tarantino flicks revolve around troubled individuals, and his depiction of raw violence and language adds to the story’s authenticity.
Django Unchained is available to rent on Apple TV.
