Quentin Tarantino Defends Western Everyone Called a Flop – Find Out Why!

Quentin Tarantino has always been forthright with his opinions, never sugarcoating his thoughts – even when they go against the grain. In a 2013 interview with the magazine Les Inrockuptibles, later reported by Variety, the director of Pulp Fiction shared his views on Batman as well as a heavily criticized blockbuster: Lone Ranger, Naissance d’un héros.

Why Tarantino Isn’t Interested in Batman

At the time when Ben Affleck being cast as the Dark Knight was a hot topic, Tarantino admitted he wasn’t particularly concerned about it. His reason? He simply finds Batman to be a character lacking enough intrigue to engage an actor fully.

“I must admit I don’t really have an opinion,” he said regarding Affleck’s casting as Batman. “Why? Because Batman is not a very interesting character. Not for any actor. There’s just not a lot to work with. I think Michael Keaton did it perfectly, and I wish Ben Affleck luck. But you know who would have been an amazing Batman? Alec Baldwin back in the ’80s.”

Despite his harsh critique, the filmmaker didn’t hesitate to offer his encouragement to Ben Affleck, while praising Michael Keaton’s portrayal, which he views as definitive. Surprisingly, he could easily envision Alec Baldwin in the role, during a time when such casting would have seemed unlikely.

Tarantino Defends a Hollywood Flop

Batman isn’t the only topic on which the director has strong opinions. Quentin Tarantino also countered critics regarding Lone Ranger, Naissance d’un héros directed by Gore Verbinski. Released in 2013 to a lukewarm public reception and considered a commercial failure, this Western starring Johnny Depp is nevertheless one of the filmmaker’s favorite movies of that year.

Acknowledging some flaws in its structure, Tarantino believes certain scenes in the film are highly commendable.

“The first forty-five minutes are excellent,” Tarantino commented about the 3D Western, “…the next forty-five are a bit dull. It was a bad idea to split the villains into two groups; it takes ages to explain and nobody cares. Then comes the train scene – incredible! When I saw it, I kept thinking, ‘Really? This is the movie everyone says is bad? Seriously?’”

Tarantino’s Favorite Films of 2013

At that time, the director also revealed his personal list of the best films released in 2013. It was an eclectic mix that included independent cinema, horror, sci-fi, and comedy, with some choices that surprised many. Here’s his list.

1. Afternoon Delight (Joey Soloway)
2. Before Midnight (Richard Linklater)
3. Blue Jasmine (Woody Allen)
4. The Conjuring (James Wan)
5. Drinking Buddies (Joe Swanberg)
6. Frances Ha (Noah Baumbach)
7. Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón)
8. Kick-Ass 2 (Jeff Wadlow)
9. Lone Ranger, Naissance d’un héros (Gore Verbinski)
10. This is the End (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg)

To watch Lone Ranger again, for example, head over to Disney+.

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