Quentin Tarantino Once Called This Director a “Bumbling Amateur”
Quentin Tarantino has once again shared his strong opinions on classic filmmakers, this time taking aim at French New Wave legend François Truffaut.
In a past discussion with his Video Archives podcast co-host Roger Avery, Tarantino contrasted Truffaut with fellow French director Claude Chabrol, expressing little admiration for the filmmaker behind such classics as The 400 Blows and Fahrenheit 451.
Tarantino was blunt about his views on Truffaut’s films. “I’m not a Truffaut fan that much anyway. There are some exceptions, the main one being The Story of Adele H. But for the most part, I feel about Truffaut like I feel about Ed Wood,” he said.
He continued to criticize Truffaut’s work, calling him “a very passionate, bumbling amateur.”
Despite his harsh assessment, Tarantino acknowledged that he appreciates certain films in Truffaut’s catalogue.
He singled out The Story of Adele H. as a standout. Truffaut’s legacy also includes widely celebrated works such as The 400 Blows, Jules and Jim, Fahrenheit 451, Day for Night, and Shoot the Piano Player, films that have inspired generations of directors and cinephiles alike.
Tarantino went on to praise Claude Chabrol, noting that the thriller director’s work surpasses what he calls the “abysmal Truffaut-Hitchcock movies.” For Tarantino, Chabrol’s style and approach to suspense made him a more compelling filmmaker compared to his more famous contemporary.
This commentary is a reminder of Tarantino’s fearless, sometimes controversial opinions on cinema history. While his assessment of Truffaut may spark debate among fans of the French New Wave, it also highlights how personal taste can sharply shape a director’s critique.
Tarantino’s blunt remarks are provocative but also spark interesting conversations about the influence of classic filmmakers. Truffaut’s films have shaped world cinema, yet opinions on style and execution can vary widely. What do you think about Tarantino’s take on Truffaut? Share your thoughts in the comments.
