Quentin Tarantino has shot back at Rosanna Arquette after the actress’ recent criticism of the use of the N-word in his movies. In a letter (via Variety), the filmmaker called Arquette’s statement “very cynical” and accused her of “disrespecting” him for the publicity.
Arquette was speaking with The Sunday Times about her career when she shared her thoughts about Tarantino’s dialogue choices. Recalling her bit role in Pulp Fiction as the wife of Eric Stoltz’s drug dealer character, she said, “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. I cannot stand that he [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass. It’s not art, it’s just racist and creepy.”
Tarantino has taken heat over his use of the N-word for years, particularly after it was used 110 times in Django Unchained. However, he took particular offense to a former co-worker levying such a complaint. “Dear Rosanna, 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?” he wrote.
He 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
Q”
For a guy who wants to keep real guns in his movies but Paul Dano out, Tarantino sure has thin skin when it comes to someone else’s “bad take.”
