Quentin Tarantino has responded to criticism from Rosanna Arquette for her prolific use of the N-word in her films, including Pulp Fiction, saying Arquette “showed a decided lack of class.”
In a statement sent to numerous publications, including Deadline, Tarantino said: “I hope the publicity you are receiving from 132 different media outlets, writing your name and printing your photo, is worth disrespecting me and a movie that I remember quite clearly. Were you excited to be a part of it?… After I gave you a job and you took the money, to throw it away for what I suspect are very cynical reasons shows a decided lack of class, not least of honor.”
Tarantino added: “There is supposed to be a team spirit between artistic colleagues. But it seems that the objective was achieved.”
Tarantino was responding to Arquette’s distaste for his use of the N-word in Pulp Fiction, saying in an interview with the Sunday Times: “I can’t stand that (Tarantino) has been given an entry pass. It’s not art, it’s just racist and creepy.”
The director has received considerable criticism over the years on the subject, including similar issues in later films such as Jackie Brown and Django Unchained. The highlight comes from fellow director Spike Lee, who said in a 1997 interview with Variety that (Tarantino) was “infatuated with that word,” adding, “What does he want to be made: an honorary black man?” Tarantino has been defended by Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown star Samuel L Jackson, who said at a press conference at the Berlin film festival: “It’s not offensive in the context of this film.”
In January of this year, Tarantino harshly criticized actor Paul Dano, whose performance alongside Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood Tarantino called “weak sauce” and “the flaccidest cock in the world.” Many of Dano’s Hollywood peers objected to Tarantino’s words, including Toni Collette, who said: “Fuck that guy! He must have been on drugs… it was just confusing. Who does that?”
