In a recent episode of “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast,” filmmaker Quentin Tarantino expressed his disdain for remakes, specifically calling out Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune. Despite the film’s critical acclaim, Tarantino revealed he has no intention of watching either version of Dune, stating that he has already experienced the story through David Lynch’s 1984 film.
“I saw Dune a couple of times. I don’t need to see that story again,” Tarantino remarked during the podcast. His comments underscore a broader frustration with Hollywood’s trend of revisiting familiar narratives. Tarantino finds the repeated emphasis on certain plot elements, such as the film’s iconic “spice worms,” unappealing, emphasizing, “I don’t need to see a movie that says the word ‘spice’ so dramatically.”
Tarantino’s objections extend beyond Dune; he is also critical of other recent adaptations, including the TV series Ripley and Shōgun. Even though these shows have garnered significant praise, Tarantino remains uninterested. “It’s one after another of this remake and that remake,” he lamented, expressing his disinterest in rehashing stories he has already seen. “People ask, ‘Have you seen Dune? Have you seen Ripley? Have you seen Shōgun?’ And I’m like, ‘No, no, no, no.’”
A Call For Originality
Tarantino articulated his discontent with the industry’s penchant for remaking established stories, suggesting that if filmmakers wish to explore existing franchises, they should consider telling new stories instead. He referenced the Ripley series, pointing out that there are multiple books available to explore, yet filmmakers seem to be recycling the same narratives rather than venturing into uncharted territory.
“There’s six or seven Ripley books. If you do one again, why are you doing the same one that they’ve done twice already?” he asked, adding, “I didn’t really like it in either version, so I’m not really interested in seeing it a third time.”
Similarly, he shared his thoughts on Shōgun, saying, “I saw Shōgun in the ‘80s. I watched all 13 hours. I’m good. I don’t need to see that story again, I don’t care how they do it.”
Praise For Joker: Folie à Deux
While Tarantino dismissed remakes, he did praise original storytelling, particularly in Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux. He compared the film to his own work, particularly his script for Natural Born Killers, which Oliver Stone directed. Tarantino noted the backlash that both projects faced, highlighting a thematic resonance between them.
“The Joker directed the movie,” Tarantino said, commending the boldness of Phillips’ creative choices. He elaborated on how the film challenges audience expectations, remarking, “He’s saying fuck you to all of them. He’s saying fuck you to the movie audience. He’s saying fuck you to Hollywood.” This perspective showcases Tarantino’s appreciation for projects that push boundaries and challenge conventional storytelling.
MUST READ | Is Shawn Mendes’ Sexuality Revelation Strategic Move For His Upcoming Album?
