Quentin Tarantino on HBO’s Max Biggest Streaming Epic: “I don’t need to see that story again”

Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino, 2007. ©Weinstein Company LLC/Courtesy Everett Collection

I have become so disenchanted with Hollywood over the past 20 years. Since Wall Street got involved with film financing, we’ve seen safe IP-based films dominate multiplexes. There’s very little originality or creativity getting past the gatekeepers these days. Whenever we see something unexpected, it comes from the independent underground and is lucky to get a semi-wide release. That is a true shame. As it turns out, I’m not the only one who is frustrated. Quentin Tarantino shares a similar level of fatigue with the current rash of remakes, reboots, sequels, and superhero spectacles. And he’s not shy about it, either.

Quentin Tarantino has no time for Dune: Part Two

In a conversation with Bret Easton Ellis on the author’s podcast, Tarantino spoke about his lack of interest in seeing the same stories adapted over and over again. When Ellis asked if Tarantino had seen Dune II, the filmmaker replied: “I don’t need to see that story again. I don’t need to see spice worms. I don’t need to see a movie that says the word ‘Spice’ so dramatically.”Tarantino later added: “It’s one after another of this remake and that remake.”

Although Dune II is enjoying a great deal of acclaim, I can’t help but agree that I’m also hungry for something original. I’d like to see more from filmmakers who are allowed to take risks.

While it might seem like we are helpless to control what screens at the local multiplex, we do have a level of influence. We vote with our box office dollars. If you want to see more original content, stop turning out for remakes, spinoffs and various other takes on existing IP. If our collective fatigue translates to a loss in profits, the studios will eventually take note. But as long as we keep shelling out $18+ for a ticket to the next chapter in a never-ending barrage of comic book films, we’re going to continue to see more of the same.

If you’re curious to check out Dune: Part Two, you can find the film streaming on Max as of the publication of this post.

The setup for Dune: Part Two goes like this:

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

That’s all we have for you at present, dear reader. Stay tuned to Dread Central for more exciting hot takes from your favorite cinematic luminaries as we discover them. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (don’t even think about calling it X) so you never miss one of our cool and informative updates.


Tags:

Categorized:

Sign up for The Harbinger a Dread Central Newsletter