Matthew Lillard Says Tarantino's Criticism Felt Like He Was "Punched in the Mouth" and Was "Kind of a Bummer"
A few months ago, Quentin Tarantino went on a podcast where he ranted about a few Hollywood actors that he said he just can’t stand, and doesn’t care for. They were Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard.
This was pretty baffling to fans, as these three actors are pretty solid talent-wise, and they also seem like pretty nice guys. Fans and fellow actors came to their defense, and Dano spoke out about his surprise at being called out.
Now, Lillard has shared his reaction as well, telling People magazine that he would “love” to be in a Quentin Tarantino movie, which is why it “sucked” when the director criticized him. Lillard added, “I think he’s a lovely filmmaker, and to just sort of get punched in the mouth just was kind of a bummer.”
He went on: “It felt like I had died and was in heaven watching everyone send out their RIP tweets. I mean, it was really being a part of your own wake, sort of sitting there living through all the nice things people say after you die…
“Everyone, from the people at the mall this weekend with my kids to George Clooney and James Gunn and Mike Flanagan, I mean, people have sort of been really generous with telling me how much they loved me and liked my work.”
Many of Lillard’s former Hollywood collaborators used social media to champion him after Tarantino’s comments went viral. Mike Flanagan, who directed the actor in The Life of Chuck and cast him in the upcoming Carrie series reboot, called Lillard the “the goddamn greatest.”
James Gunn worked with Lillard on the Scooby Doo movies and called him “one of my favorite guys (and actors).” George Clooney even accepted a prize from AARP and said that he “would be honored to work with” any of the actors Tarantino dissed.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly last month, Lillard said “it was crazy” to receive so much support from fans and industry names about Tarantino’s diss, adding:
“I keep showing it to my wife to convince her that I am worthy, that people still like me. Nobody has to like me. Nobody has to like any actor out there, obviously. It’s personal preference. I am not everyone’s first choice, that is obvious, but to then have that kind of reaction was beautiful.”
These actors have so many fans and industry co-workers who are willing to go to bat for them, and they’ve taken the high road, just making Tarantino look like an asshole.
I’m a huge fan of his films, and I get that we all have our actors we like and dislike, but you don’t need to use your platform to punch down. It’s just not cool, and he could use a lesson in class from guys like Lillard, Dano and Wilson.
via: Variety