Quentin Tarantino Confesses His Obsession With a Legendary Director

Quentin Tarantino has always been more than a director—he’s a true fan of movies, and his love for cinema is the core of everything he does. From classics like Pulp Fiction to Inglourious Basterds, Tarantino’s work is built on the directors he admires, but few filmmakers have captured his imagination like Brian De Palma.

Tarantino has said that in his twenties, he was completely obsessed with De Palma. He collected scrapbooks filled with reviews and interviews, counted down to premieres, and made sure he was always the first person in line for a new film. “I used to treat it like a sacred event,” he told the Happy Sad Confused podcast.

Seeing a De Palma film, Tarantino explained, was an experience he wanted to fully absorb. He often went alone for the first screening and returned later that same night for a second showing, bringing a companion to watch it through their eyes. This allowed him to study the craft and really understand the director’s technique.

Of all De Palma’s films, Tarantino has said that Blow Out from 1981 is the one he admires most. “It’s his finest hour,” he admitted, praising John Travolta’s performance as one of the best he’s ever seen. For Tarantino, it’s more than a movie—it’s a masterclass in storytelling and suspense.

Even as he dives into new projects, Tarantino’s love for film remains front and center. He’s currently living in London, rehearsing for his debut stage play, a comedy set to open in the West End. While he has said he will only direct ten films, he hinted that if this play is successful, it could inspire his final movie project.

Meanwhile, Tarantino’s influence is still felt in Hollywood. He wrote the script for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a Netflix sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, now being directed by David Fincher. Brad Pitt reprises his role as the stuntman fixer from the 1970s, and the film is already drawing buzz as an awards contender.

Tarantino is also returning to acting with a role in the indie drama Only What We Carry, playing John Percy, an instructor confronting his past. He stars alongside Simon Pegg and Sofia Boutella in a story described as emotional and gripping.

Even with his busy schedule managing the Vista Theatre in Hollywood, rehearsing a stage play in London, and shaping scripts for major films, Tarantino’s passion for cinema never wanes. He remains a filmmaker who learns from the masters he admires while still creating something uniquely his own.

Do you think Quentin Tarantino is ready to step away from directing, or is this just another evolution in his career? Share your thoughts in the comments.