It looks like Quentin Tarantino has gotten himself in hot Itallian lake water over some comments he made about modern Italian cinema. We get the news from the hallowed halls of the Hollywood Reporter:
Tarantino is known to be a fan of old Italian films, but according to his recent comments published in Sorrisi & Canzioni — the country’s leading television magazine — his love for the country’s film productions does not extend to more contemporary cuts.
“New Italian cinema is just depressing,” Tarantino said. “Recent films I’ve seen are all the same. They talk about boys growing up, or girls growing up, or couples having a crisis, or vacations of the mentally impaired.”
Those defending modern Italian cinema included some of the best-known names in the game.
“How dare he talk about Italian cinema when he doesn’t know anything about American cinema?” asked Naples-born Sophia Loren, according to media reports.
“Tarantino is a brute,” said Marco Bellocchio, a five-time Palme d’Or nominee in Cannes and a member of this year’s Cannes jury.
If you go on to read the article you will see a few other quotes of people that are pissed at Quentin. I think everyone needs to settle the fuck down personally. The dude gave his personal opinion about modern Italian cinema and people are freaking out. People need to remember that in context he was comparing it to the Italian cinema of yesteryear – that he is a fan of. Who doesn’t love spaghetti westerns, sword and sandal movies, and nun rape films more than modern Italian cinema?
I understand why people that make films in Italy now may feel insulted, and they are entitled to blast him back. I just hope people realize that when you ask someone a question in an interview, you should respect their answer (especially if they were kind enough to give you an honest one.) It would of been easy for Quentin to say “Oh yea modern Italian cinema is the best!” but it certainly would not be true.
By all means critique someone’s taste if it is in a public forum, make fun of them in the spirit of a good ribbing. But to attack someone personally about his or her opinion of “picture shows” is a little much. It is through disagreement that I have learned the greatest lessons in my life; I rue the day that everyone is a fucking yes man and simply “loves” everything.
Perhaps Quentin used poor judgement and timing with his comments, but buddy for him for having an opinion when asked a question. Agree of disagree, always respect a person that gives you their honest opinion when asked; they are hard to come by.
