(Image Source: Pinterest, Warner Bros. Pictures)
Two months ago, Quentin Tarantino appeared on "The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast," hosted by his friend and "American Psycho" author Bret Easton Ellis. During the episode, Tarantino enthusiastically praised the polarizing "Joker: Folie à Deux," describing it as a bold film that deliberately challenges studios, audiences, and investors. He also hailed Joaquin Phoenix's performance as one of the best he had ever witnessed.
Tarantino's comments, however, seemed to provoke a strong backlash from many viewers who disliked "Folie à Deux," as he admitted that numerous netizens were furious after hearing his positive review.
Tarantino recently addressed the online uproar during an interview on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, where he was joined by his longtime collaborator and "Pulp Fiction" co-writer Roger Avary. Tarantino recounted the backlash, stating, "I went on a show and said I liked 'Joker 2,' and then there were over 150 news stories about it online."
He continued, "Someone listened to that episode and wrote a news story about it, and then 150 other people copied it. And then you see responses like, 'Quentin's an asshole, this movie is f***ing terrible, he's a piece of sh*t for saying that.' Why am I an asshole? Can't I just like the movie? Does that make me a f***ing asshole? You either like the movie or you don't. I'm not promoting the movie, I didn't do anything, I just said I liked it. Who the f*** cares what anyone else likes? What I like is none of your f***ing business."
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Tarantino then added, "And then they call me an asshole just because they think I didn't see certain aspects of the movie. What the f*** do you care if I saw them? Some people might say, 'I think he missed something.' Well, I'm pretty sure I could say there are a lot of things you missed, but I wouldn't give a sh*t if you did." Tarantino's appreciation isn't limited to "Folie à Deux"; he also praised the first "Joker" film years ago, particularly marveling at the intense tension of the talk show shooting scene at the end.