The director Tarantino says taught him what cinema is

Card-carrying cinephile, Quentin Tarantino he absorbed a series of influences before establishing his own work as a director. Sergio Leone, Jean Luc-Godard and Tony Scott are some of the main American references.

However, there is one name in particular that, according to the Tarantinowas the one who taught him what cinema is. The subject was discussed in conversation with the director Alexander Rockwellpromoted by FilmMaker Magazine in 2022.

At a certain point in the chat, Quentin He was asked by his colleague to name his three favorite directors. Initially, he stated:

Probably (Brian) From Palma(Howard) Hawks and (Jean-Luc) Godard – the things that Godard I did before, not now. I learned different things from all three.”

Next, he defined his learnings with each of those mentioned. He also revealed which of them taught him what cinema was.

What I learned from Hawks it was like constantly entertaining the audience. He was a storyteller. It wasn’t plot, plot, plot. History! And he knew how to build totally engaging characters. Already From Palma taught me what cinema is. For me, he is the most cinematic director there is. And the Godard taught me to invent. For me, the Godard at the beginning of my career it was like a Bob Dylan of films.”

De Palma better than Spielberg and Scorsese

This was not the only time that Quentin Tarantino covered Brian De Palma of praise. In a 2023 interview with France 24during the Cannes Festival, the director of pulp Fiction (1994) said that he considered his colleague above two names most remembered by the public: Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.

Everyone loves the Spielberg and the Scorsesebut I don’t insist on joining the most popular club, it’s not my style! Part of my love for From Palma it comes from the possibility of getting into trouble defending him, sometimes to the point of conflict.”

Brian de Palma, admired by Quentin Tarantino

Brian de Palma began his career in 1960 and became known for his association with the suspense, crime and psychological thriller genres. He also gained fame for making extensive use of violence in his work — something that put his name at the center of controversy — and unusual camera angles.

His first major success as a director came with Carrie the Stranger (1976), adaptation of the book of the same name by Stephen King. In 1983, he released what is considered his most famous work: Scarface (1983), starring Al Pacino.

Other renowned works by Brian de Palma include: Dressed to Kill (1980), The Final Payment (1993), the first film in the franchise Mission: Impossible (1996), Snake Eyes (1998) and Mission: Mars (2000).

Collaborated: Augusto Ikeda.