Quentin Tarantino slams 'Pulp Fiction' actor for 'racist' comment
What's the story
Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has hit back at actor Rosanna Arquette for criticizing his use of the N-word in his films. In a recent interview, Arquette had said that while she considers Tarantino's 1994 black comedy Pulp Fiction "a great film on a lot of levels," she disapproves of the director's repeated use of the racial slur in his films.
Tarantino's response
Tarantino's response to Arquette's comments
Tarantino responded to Arquette's criticism in a letter, calling out the actor for trashing the film and thus showing "a decided lack of class, no less honor." He wrote, "I hope the publicity you're getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and a film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?"
Tarantino's statement
'After I gave you a job, you took the money...'
Tarantino continued, "Do you feel this way now? Very possibly. But after I gave you a job, and you took the money, to trash it for what I suspect is very cynical reasons, shows a decided lack of class, no less honor." "There is supposed to be an esprit de corps between artistic colleagues. But it would appear the objective was accomplished. Congratulations." Arquette had a minor role in Pulp Fiction, which was one of the films she criticized.
Actor's perspective
What did Arquette say?
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Arquette criticized what she describes as the excessive use of the N-word in Tarantino's movies. While acknowledging the film's influence and iconic status, she disagreed with Tarantino's approach to racial language in dialogue. "It's iconic, a great film on a lot of levels. But personally I am over the use of the N-word. I hate it." "It's not art, it's just racist and creepy."
Controversy
Other people have also criticized Tarantino over N-word usage
Tarantino's use of racial slurs has been a longstanding point of debate. The N-word appears repeatedly across several of his films, including The Hateful Eight, Django Unchained, and Jackie Brown. Critics argue that the director often uses it excessively, with filmmaker Lee Daniels noting, "Quentin is infatuated with that word," and that not all African Americans view it as "trendy or slick." Daniels also cited earlier Tarantino films, including Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, as examples.