[dropcap size=small]A[/dropcap]midst a bidding war for distribution rights at the American Film Market over Quentin Tarantino’s latest film The Hateful Eight, the director and a few of his actors had a chance to sit down and discuss their upcoming western. Deadline had a chance to moderate the discussion, during which QT spoke extensively about his sources of inspiration for his new movie, why 70 mm is the best format, and most importantly his plans for retiring from the business.
At a certain point in the conversation, actress Jennifer Jason Leigh expressed her thoughts about being added to the Tarantino universe just in time to hear that he was close to retirement. Immediately, Kurt Russell and Samuel L. Jackson spoke up. “You don’t actually believe that shit, do you?” Russell asked the crowd. “What’s Quentin going to do with himself if he’s not doing this?” added Jackson. Tarantino responded that he would fill his time with “writing plays and books, going gracefully into my tender years.”
Regardless of the crowd opposition to the thought of Quentin Tarantino retiring from the film industry, the director explained that he was serious:
“I don’t believe you should stay onstage until people are begging you to get off, I like the idea of leaving them wanting a bit more. I do think directing is a young man’s game, and I like the idea of an umbilical cord connection from my first to my last movie. I’m not trying to ridicule anyone who thinks differently, but I want to go out while I’m still hard. I like that I will leave a 10-film filmography, and so I’ve got two more to go after this. It’s not etched in stone, but that is the plan. If I get to the 10th, do a good job and don’t screw it up, well that sounds like a good way to end the old career. If later on, I come across a good movie, I won’t not do it just because I said I wouldn’t. But 10 and I’m done, leaving them wanting more — that sounds right.”
As a massive Tarantino fan myself, I’m not too sure how I feel about the idea that we’ve only got two more amazing films (three if you count The Hateful Eight) left to look forward to, but I do like the idea of him going out on top and writing plays afterwards. The man can write some solid dialogue.
What are your thoughts on Quentin Tarantino’s retirement plan?
I am sure you are right about JB. I do need to sit down and watch it again. I was younger and didnt appreciate film as much when I watched it.
You have all valid points on DU that I cant counter.
But I liked it. It entertained me, lol