Quentin Tarantino Opens up About a Performance He Thinks Is Truly Legendary

Quentin Tarantino has always loved movies, and he’s never been shy about sharing which films he thinks are the best. The director, now 62, has called himself a “sponge” when it comes to movies, soaking up stories, performances, and little details from the films he watches.

According to a tour he did of his old workplace, Video Archives, some movies have stuck with him more than others. One film he admires deeply is the 1959 western Rio Bravo, directed by Howard Hawks.

Tarantino said the cast was incredible, pointing out that Ricky Nelson looked “incredibly cool” and that Dean Martin gave one of the best performances he had ever seen. He explained that even though Martin is mostly remembered for his singing, he was a serious actor who could stand alongside legends like John Wayne.

Tarantino also praised Brian De Palma’s 1981 film Blow Out. He called it the director’s masterpiece and highlighted John Travolta’s performance as one of the greatest of all time. Variety reports that Tarantino sees older films like these as a guide for working with actors in his own movies.

Even as he approaches what he says will be his tenth and final film, Tarantino hasn’t slowed down. He finished writing the screenplay for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood that will be directed by David Fincher for Netflix. Tarantino chose not to direct it himself, saying he wants his last movie to explore something completely new.

In a surprise move, he’s also returned to acting for the first time in thirty years. His latest project, Only What We Carry, was filmed along the coast of Normandy, France. He plays a character named John Percy alongside Simon Pegg, Sofia Boutella, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. The film is currently in post-production and is described as a thoughtful look at grief and moving forward.

Meanwhile, Tarantino continues to champion other filmmakers. Brian De Palma, who is 85, is returning to directing with a true-crime thriller called Sweet Vengeance. Tarantino has said De Palma is “more important than many of his higher-profile peers” and has repeatedly praised his work over the years.

While fans eagerly wait to hear about Tarantino’s official final film, he’s keeping busy. He’s been working on books, plays, and even digital projects, including a cinematic short for Fortnite featuring characters from Kill Bill. Tarantino seems happy experimenting with new ways to tell stories and surprise his audience.

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