Quentin Tarantino Names the Romantic Comedy He Thinks Is Flawless

Quentin Tarantino is a filmmaker whose journey into the mainstream began with the explosive debut of Reservoir Dogs in the early 1990s. He quickly caught the attention of critics and audiences alike with his signature blend of sharp, rhythmic dialogue and highly stylized violence, establishing himself as a foundational figure in independent cinema.

This early success brought a wave of high-profile offers, including the chance to helm blockbusters like Men in Black, but Tarantino famously chose a different path. Throughout his career, he has remained fiercely loyal to his own creative vision, ensuring that every project he touches feels unmistakably like his own work.

By drawing inspiration from the auteurs of the past rather than the demands of studio executives, he has cultivated an idiosyncratic style that resonates with millions of fans worldwide.

This deep cinematic literacy was born during his time as a video store clerk, a period he often describes as his true education. He once famously remarked to BBC News that when people ask if he attended film school, he simply tells them that he went to films.

Given his extensive knowledge, it is no surprise that Tarantino holds firm opinions on what constitutes a “perfect” movie. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he identified seven films that meet this rare standard, including the 1970s romantic comedy Annie Hall.

Directed by Woody Allen, the film follows the neurotic Alvy Singer as he navigates a crumbling relationship with the quirky Annie Hall. The movie represented a significant leap in maturity for its director, successfully balancing humor with a profound exploration of gender, identity, and the complexities of human connection.

As of February, Tarantino is keeping fans on their toes with a series of unexpected professional pivots. While he has long teased that his tenth film would be his final directorial effort, he has recently shifted his focus toward different media.

He is currently preparing for the premiere of a new stage play in London’s West End, a project he has suggested could even serve as his definitive retirement from the industry if it proves to be a smash hit. This move toward the theater allows him to explore his love for dialogue-rich performance without the massive infrastructure of a studio film.

Despite stepping back from the director’s chair for a moment, his influence is still being felt across this year’s release schedule. He recently penned the screenplay for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a $200 million Netflix sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood directed by David Fincher.

The film, which features Brad Pitt reprising his Oscar-winning role as a Hollywood “fixer” in the late 1970s, debuted its first teaser during Super Bowl 60 earlier this month. The project marks a rare occasion where Tarantino has provided a script for another prominent auteur to bring to life.

In addition to his writing and stage work, Tarantino has made a surprising return to acting with a significant role in the upcoming drama Only What We Carry. Directed by Jamie Adams, the film features Tarantino as John Percy, a publisher living in a French château alongside characters played by Simon Pegg and Sofia Boutella.

Do you think Quentin Tarantino’s decision to have David Fincher direct The Adventures of Cliff Booth allows for a more interesting expansion of that universe than if he had directed it himself? Share your thoughts in the comments.