Quentin Tarantino, one of Hollywood’s most revered filmmakers, has finished writing the script for his final film and is reportedly preparing to direct it this fall. While Tarantino is one of the most revered directors in Hollywood, he has always maintained that he won’t direct more than 10 films - "The Movie Critic" comes in at number ten.
During a 2012 interview with Playboy, he revealed the rationale behind his decision stating, "I want to stop at a certain point. Directors don’t get better as they get older. Usually the worst films in their filmography are those last four at the end."
"I am all about my filmography, and one bad film f—s up three good ones. I don’t want that bad, out-of-touch comedy in my filmography, the movie that makes people think, ‘Oh man, he still thinks it’s 20 years ago.’ When directors get out-of-date, it’s not pretty."
He reiterated this belief last December during the promotional tour for his book Cinema Speculation. While appearing on CNN’s Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? he revealed that he is out of touch with contemporary filmmaking and has decided to quit while his work is still appreciated.
Tarantino began his career as an indie filmmaker in 1992 with the crime movie Reservoir Dogs. He followed this up with Pulp Fiction, a critically acclaimed film that netted him his first of two Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay.
At the moment, there is no information about The Movie Critic’s plot. However, sources revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that the film will have a female lead character and a late 1970s Los Angeles setting.
Given the setting, movie title, and the fact it has a female lead, there is speculation that the film will chronicle the life of the late film critic, essayist, and novelist, Pauline Kael, and her time as a consultant with Paramount. One of the most prominent film critics ever, Kael was also one of Tarantino’s idols and he has spoken of his deep respect for her on multiple occasions.
While there is currently no actor attached to the project, the filmmaker will undoubtedly have his pick of the industry’s top talents when he is finally ready to cast, given the critical and commercial success that come with his projects.
The Movie Critic has not been picked up by any studio, but there is no doubt that many will be lining up for the film’s distribution rights. Given the fact that Sony distributed his last film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and that Tarantino has a good relationship with the company’s top brass, there is a good chance The Movie Critic will find a home there.
Tarantino’s exit from directing feature films doesn’t necessarily mean a total departure from the entertainment industry. The filmmaker has stated that he might pursue other interests in Hollywood, including directing television series. However, given his disdain for superhero movies, there is no chance he will ever be at the helm of a Marvel project.
Regardless of the auteur’s quirks and beliefs, there is no denying that he has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and that his evocative and distinct directorial style will be sorely missed when he finally bows out.
