Quentin Tarantino on How He Directs Actors on Set

During a seminar with AFI Conservatory Fellows, Quentin Tarantino talks about how he directs actors on set.
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[@DelightLovesMovies]

That's a great director.

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

who?

[@jamesjameson4566]

That's a great director right there

[@psychomantis183]

An overrated one though.

[@jamesjameson4566]

@@psychomantis183 underrated comment

[@psychomantis183]

@@jamesjameson4566 ???

[@CarcPazu]

Tarantino is simply the best. Not only his movies are amazing, listening to him talk is highly entertaining and motivating. They will still study him and his movies in 100 years. Mark my words.

[@carsondenny1986]

lol, marked

[@elmud]

Wow... what a strong statement. Tarantino is already studied since early the 2000's, almost 20 years now.

[@carsondenny1986]

@@elmud yeah what he is saying is both objectively true and impossible to prove. And yet he wants the credit for it. It would be as if I said “the sun will rise tomorrow. Mark my words.”

[@mr2seis388]

@@carsondenny1986 Marked.

[@CarcPazu]

@Akshay Natu You're hard. Django and Once Upon were perfect that way in my opinion. I'll give you that Hateful was a little too long. Maybe cropping about 30 minutes would've made the whole movie a little snappier. Just by curiosity, tell me what scenes would cut from Django to amount to an hour? I honestly don't think you could cut more than 15 minutes out of Django without ruining the movie.

[@crapstermcduck6593]

Beautiful monologue.

[@PiCheZvara]

I guess this at least in part explains why the performances in Tarantino's movies are so good. Firstly, he writes his scripts with a specific actor in mind most of the time, secondly he writes great parts for them that fit them and thirdly he then works with them hands-on to get a great performance out of them. Combine this with Tarantino's talent for scriptwriting and directing and you get actors pretty much always being guaranteed that a performance in a Tarantino movie will be among their career best. It's true for Steve Buscemi, Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Ving Rhames, Bruce Willis, Pam Grier, Robert Forster, Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Darryl Hannah, Lucy Liu, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Foxx, Walton Goggins, Leonardo DiCaprio. Tarantino is simply an actors' director, his entire body of work is synonymous first and foremost with great characters, great dialogue and great performances.

[@baylee8659]

Well said 👏🏻

[@gentlycz]

love it

[@oliverford5367]

Landa was written first but he's a perfectionist about it. He was about to cancel IB right before he found Waltz.

[@Stallan666]

Images of George Lucas directing the prequels come to mind when he said "watching tv" haha.

[@odessa745]

You needed a cattle prod to get him out of that chair.

[@Hs022]

“Faster! More Intense!”

[@sitebstudios]

David Fincher sits at a video village. So it works for some as well.

[@alexanderg1297]

When Quentin says “watching tv” he means watching the set from a monitor. He isn’t actually watching a television show.

[@carl_anderson9315]

Well, we have to consider QT works with a practical real sets. George Lucas designed a sci-fi world that includes CGI aliens, spaceships, etc, therefore he needs full view of every inch of the frame, for composition.

[@TheSphinxProd]

Of course he picks the lady with the open toe sandals to use as the example. lol

[@jarkkehhh213]

He is a feet man after all 😉

[@laddrusso5243]

Lmao I thought I'm the only one noticed that

[@harshsonar9346]

Your joke is beyong the understanding of general public!

[@milesfolley6840]

Of course she’ll be visible to Quentin…😉

[@adroxx_]

This is why Q is one of the best directors EVER!! I’m really going to miss his films when he retires.

[@bepriceless]

Oh my god, maybe he is Q. He says he is retired.

[@PotatoesFromSaturn]

I don't wanna think about it. I'm not accepting it until the time comes. As far as I'm concerned he's making movies forever 🙃

[@adroxx_]

@@PotatoesFromSaturn I would have nothing against him doing one more film to wrap up his universe, if he then moved to series television. Imagine an anthology series, in the similar vein of Fargo. I could totally go for long form Tarantino.

[@MoreConsole]

This is why QT is a legend

[@darklordish1]

Quentin Tarantino*

[@Pesku]

@@darklordish1 Shut up bro

[@blzaster]

who qt cinderalla ?

[@Wade_Fucking_Wilson]

@Eduardo Oropeza explain please

[@jeremyhopkins577]

I think it's because Miramax was very good at marketing

[@marcelojaimep]

whether you like him or not, Quentin Tarantino is one of the best actor's director working today

[@blakemaxfield4267]

One of the best directors/writers period

[@Evanderj]

The opening farm scene in Inglorious Basterds might be the absolute pinnacle of dialogue acting and conversational tension of all time. When Tarantino is on, he’s really on.

[@blakemaxfield4267]

@@Evanderj Masterful scene!

[@manuelpineda9067]

Who the fuck doesn't like him???

[@rijokripto3633]

no really.. screen writer... sure.. but director not

[@C0T0HA]

If he stopped at Pulp Fiction, he'd still be one of the best. If he continued after Pulp Fiction, but never reached new heights or found new success, he'd still be one of the best. But he has proven to be one of the best with EVERY movie he made.

[@julianmarx2002]

@Jarred Knox ...with the caveat "one" of the best, you'd have a very hard time arguing it isn't true, even if you point to "lesser" movies like Death Proof or Hateful Eight (which I loved, but isnt Inglorious Basterds level)

[@Shitgotmegeekin]

@Jarred Knox that's the thing ab movies, jackie brown and ouatih might be your top qt films, whilst others enjoy pulp fiction, django, kill bill, basterds, etc, the most. Jackie brown is not even in my top 5 qt movies, but I still recognize why it could be someone's favorite. There's a lot of great things about all of qt's work, he's consistently proven he can make a fucking amazing film no matter the budget, which is why he's still one of the best imo.

[@jeffdekimpe1746]

@Jarred Knox We have two people here, you and Quentin Tarantino. That about sums it up.

[@Shitgotmegeekin]

@Jarred Knox what? It’s qt’s stylistic choice to not have any set focus in his films. And you mention all of those aspects being negatives, yet ouatih is among your top qt films whilst it’s arguably his least ”disciplined” and focused film to date. And if you don’t like his style, well that’s completely fine. But don’t discredit him as an director and script writer just because he doesn’t make your type of movies. I don’t like spielberg that much, but I won’t discredit his work nor talent bc his style isn’t in my taste.

[@blossom357]

The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood are sadly pretty weak. But Reservoir Dogs up to Django Unchained? Sure, they're all great.

[@Purple1984Rain]

Love that explanation of being by the camera if you watch old photographs of directing legends like Hitchcock, Capra , Curtiz, Ford, Lean or Billy Wilder just to name a few you always seem them right by the DP watching the performance up close and personal. Thank you Mr Tarantino for sharing your love of cinema in so many ways.

[@df4196]

For actors: “No with the hard R” For actresses: “So this scene you do without shoes or socks”

[@superstimulatedminotaur3681]

These decisions can make or break the success of a film

[@Evanderj]

😂

[@JohnWick-og5ds]

Just Tarantino things

[@flazeda8743]

😶

[@Shitgotmegeekin]

funny...

[@MisanthropicTimeSlipperz]

You can tell by the way he speaks about his craft that he loves what he does. QT is one of the best ever! Sucks he's going to stop making movies after the next one but hopefully he'll start writing books next. His novelization of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was brilliant.

[@geoycs]

I always learn something when he speaks.

[@eil11een]

he is a creative genius

[@marchmcmadness7134]

One trick pony.

[@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes]

@@marchmcmadness7134 what a stupid thing to say

[@marchmcmadness7134]

@@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes you mean correct? All his films are revenge and his version of history. He doesn't do originality. Yes pulp fiction was amazing but after that they all revolve around those 2 sub plots.

[@Shitgotmegeekin]

​@@marchmcmadness7134 you could literally say that about almost every director. If you choose to simplify his plots that much you obviously don't understand his films

[@marchmcmadness7134]

@@Shitgotmegeekin explain his films not mentioning them two sub plots amd name other directors who's majority of films revolver around those two sub plots.

[@roberts9078]

So that's why the performances in his movies are always incredible.

[@SkGow]

Did you also look at the thumbnail and go "Man..his hair.. he's gotten old. Wait.. I'm getting old too'.

[@randomstandard]

Exactly

[@ancientlights]

Oh my god, I needed to hear that. Thanks for the clip AFI.

[@storlach]

Could NOT agree more with him on that point. Directing is being in a relationship with your actors. So listen to them, feel them, see them, love them!!

[@calmorale7724]

Usually it's the 1st AD who travels back and forth between the director and the actors on set so they can get feedback from the director and give it to the actors. This is so the director can focus on how it looks on the frame but I prefer how QT does it! Seems more rewarding.

[@delix787]

When did Quentin Tarantino age? He looked perfectly normal two years ago! 😭😭😭

[@delix787]

Apparently this took place in 2017! Yet he looks younger today but looks older five years ago?

[@itsjynx6975]

@@delix787 Hollywood’s crazy

[@m.s6136]

@@delix787 it's because of his hair seems like he dyes it

[@hjj9269]

That’s what I thought, it’s the hair he apparently dyes it. Didn’t even know it tbh.

[@sanekabc]

He got married and has a kid. That will age you fast.

[@DonToto93]

As a guy who's worked in theater for most of my life? Now THAT, right there, is a Fucking Director! He So clearly understands the Main Job of Any director, be it movie Or theater! He has mentioned that he might wanna do a play. He definitely should. This coming from a guy, who's worked with Several directors in theater, and some of THEM don't understand this point, even:D Hallelujah, Quentin! The world is Lucky to have you!

[@gehteuchnixan9027]

Surely one of the best directors of our time. Made some real intense movies... Chapeau...

[@raeldor]

I could never hate on a guy with this much passion and love for what he does.

[@SewerKingTV]

I love how Jon Favreau just let him talk without interrupting.

[@user-vv4lo5yz3h]

Man this guy inspires me to direct 🙏

[@nms7872]

eagerly waiting for him to announce his next movie. OUATIH is coming up on 3 years soon

[@wombathijs4560]

Holy shit that's insane to think of

[@arpitdas4263]

Spectacular director, shoots just the way it's meant to be

[@internziko]

Fir almost 40yrs the man has beeb releasing gold. His films are an event. God bless em

[@EVONOPOLIS]

Remarkable director, truly.

[@lambtoon]

2:04 You’re part of it. You’re a part of the Illum…… You’re part of the electric current.

[@somecallmecrispy]

This was heartwarming to hear 🧸

[@jameschesterton]

An actors director, I'm sure no one loves the process more than Quentin.

[@nataliep6385]

I have always found Quentin Tarantino very attractive.. The way he speaks and explains himself, he is so passionate about what he loves in life.

[@strayportal]

Always grateful for anything Tarantino

[@amargad69]

I saw Pulp Fiction in the theatre when I was 12 and I can honestly tell you that it literally changed the course of my life. He’s the goat on my book

[@petrfrizen6078]

Yes, Mr. Tarantino! It is really "back and forth", indeed. The film set is the human interaction medium!🐣🍇🐣

[@justinsullivan5839]

So glad he’s finally letting his go grey.

[@HBDSHOUTOUTS]

Having a solid team in place that gives you the freedom to not have to watch the monitor…. What a gift!

[@HealthHorror]

Yes, this just seems instinctive when you are really into what you are doing. You want to be in the magical circle. You want to feel that energy. I directed a short where they crew kept setting up a monitor that I didn't ask for. I would always be with the DP and the actors and the 1stAD would always say "don't you want to come watch on the monitor..." No.

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

He has said he's also like this in other departmants, not just acting. Like he goes to see the costume department making clothes or the production design because, in his opinion, that's where the movie is being made. And you can tell. In many movies it looks like the different departments don't know what's going on but in Tarantino movies they work together with a single vision.

[@iletaMarchita]

incredible advice

[@MariaMartinez-researcher]

In the Kill Bill Diary, David Carradine gives a valuable insight in Tarantino's directing ways.

[@raworange8187]

I could listen to him all day 🤘🤘🤘

[@JohnORourke.]

Enlightening.

[@thelittleasiankid]

he went straight to a low angle of the girl with the open-toed shoes 😂

[@Shelboooooo]

Quentin is looking great!

[@Jesterswords]

I love this.

[@TheUnFairAdvantageCrypto]

when you say CUT they all look to you... simple but brilliant observation

[@tt4570]

Powerful!

[@robertoseveno]

Always inspiring , this guy

[@CoolHandLuke7]

Tarantino has the highest batting average for me of any director. All of his movies are at least 7/10.

[@c.c.244]

You go in the Ocean your finished,Gothic Grim Reaper.

[@alexanderg1297]

Why wouldn’t any filmmaker do it like this?

[@justinherbert9146]

I worked on a pilot for a TV procedural -- directed by Brett Ratner - not only did he sit in front of monitors in video village but instead of watching what was on the screen during a take - he was glued to his cell phone - texting away and surfing the net - I have worked on many many tv shows and films and for the most part - most directors are over rated - and the cinematographers and film editors are way way under rated - Quentin is the real deal, a brilliant director and talent - he makes counter culture films that appeal to the mass populace and the suits in Hollywood stay the F out of his way!

[@JannemanVaarwater]

That Man... A Master!

[@mortenolsen1111]

This is a living legend…

[@TopFlightSecurity415]

there will never be another quentin folks

[@skait174]

he like that "acting only for you" part narcissist.

[@G11713]

...your part of the spirit of the scene.

[@funglegunk]

Could listen to Tarantino talk about movies and music all day.

[@ryangettig274]

Great Advices:)QT-The Family Man Years:)

[@miklovelka6526]

This man has gotten the recognition and acclaim of a director who's been on the scene for 5 decades...yet he still hasn't made over 10 films...thats insaaaaaneeee

[@schmiggidy]

"Quality over quantity" appears to be a pretty decent maxim to live by, eh? ;) Q clearly experienced a fair bit o' success incorporating this principle.

[@rockzhard2009]

best filmmaker ever

[@Pancrasio-it9qd]

Quentin tarantino 😎😎😎😎😎👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@brandontaylor8957]

Brown and white hair Quentin. I like it.

[@from1978]

This is a big part of why (I feel) there are only 4-5 great directors working today.

[@jamessheridan3908]

watch more movies

[@stefanc4520]

Damn QT is getting up there in age.

[@raw_dah]

That's QT!!

[@gdsvalentine1193]

What a talented chap he is.

[@craigmartin5939]

My favourite QT movie is Jackie Brown in 1997!!

[@malex4321]

I absolutely adore his complete inability to be boring.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Even with Tarantino’s ‘lesser’ movies the actors always are so prominent and delightfully active/engaged on-screen paired with their dialogue, even when the dialogue is a bit obvious with the obscure film references and nerd talk. Death Proof is a boring movie for many and tbf nothing happens for nearly 2 hours yet the dialogue is amazing and the actors are all fantastic, even unknown actors are completely involved and deliver their lines so naturally. Death Proof rlly made me realise how much of Tarantino is working well with actors.

[@kev1119]

Hes getting grey hairs omg the legend is getting old

[@wisef00l76]

lol he probably been dying his hair for ages

[@SquidkidMega]

He’s nearly 60….that’s what happens

[@kev1119]

@@SquidkidMega and hes just now getting some greys?

[@kev1119]

@@wisef00l76 thats what i thought like when he was promoting his latest movie i was like damn he still has black hair

[@henn863]

yeah he stopped using the rudy guliani hair dye. Looks better this way.

[@jiiig8667]

The man is a national treasure.

[@3.2Carrera]

And these techniques help to differentiate a factory producing content from an artist creating something special.

[@curious_guy_]

really great advice......

[@BrianOMahonyPhotography]

One word: Genius!

[@abhradeepgoswami9872]

It's sad to see him ageing. But he still carries that sparkle of energy just like the Pulp Fiction Days!

[@117Industries]

Ageing reasonably well though.

[@georgeburch7730]

If seeing him ageing makes you sad; your going to be sad a lot going forward in life...

[@focusproductionarts]

i cant even imagine how sad you'll be seeing yourself aging through the mirror lol

[@kamw73]

There's nothing sad about it and it's inevitable. It brings a different perspective and that's always interesting & it's one of the reasons he's such a remarkable director. He recognizes the contribution we all make in every stage of our lives & displays it in a way that is relatable & entertaining. He's been a master storyteller at every age.

[@uhadme]

Like a simple orchestra analogy isn't enough. Other movie directors are metronomes. He waves a wand

[@nigelcarren]

I find his intensity very attractive! My intensity is the reason most people don't like me aparrently. But I am not going to water myself down for anybody. The way I see it is, I either have your support or you are against me. But that doesn't mean you have to agree with me, in fact I would rather you didn't... I need others around for reflection! It's just that I need to know I am surrounded by thinkers, NOT mere passengers. Best wishes from an Englishman in a French forest. ⚒️🎹

[@dankmeme682]

"if the camera's here, I'm right here, looking right at her feet."

[@dukenukem9477]

Tarantino’s ideas and stories NEED to interact with the Naughty Dog video game company. To play a Tarantino story would be mfn bonkers. Imagine the gameplay for Kill Bill?! Spread the word! I have no social media platform so this is my only hope obi wan kenobi

[@braddyer4441]

Feel the frequency. Fuck the frame. Few will ever get this.

[@daysofgrace7818]

I saw an mini documentary once where George Lucas and Spielberg had some interesting encounters with Harrison Ford during the last Indy movie. They took the director/actor relationship to another level 😔

[@Nautilus1972]

Quentin Tarantino on How He Directs Actors on Set :"JUST DO THE FUCKING THING!" According to Brad Pitt.

[@jacobpaint]

Of course doing things as QT does requires that you have talent like he does. Not all directors are created equal and have his clear vision and intuitive understanding of what he's shooting so he can afford to just watch the actors... somewhat else might find they are a bit surprised that the rushes don't look as good as they imagined.

[@LeroyKinkade]

Looking Good Mr.

[@danielstoursvideo]

love that

[@angelmatos9143]

One guy you hope never retires.

[@retmania]

Christoph Waltz is the opposite of the worst actor in the world, That's the best compliment an actor can get, I hope they can make one more movie together before Quentin retire

[@twmax6525]

I would have the most fun yet be the most nervous I've ever been if I acted in a Tarantino movie. Lol.

[@markfostercrtgamer3201]

I really like that he doesn't use a video village to shoot his movies. Tarantino loves the history of Hollywood so much and it really sucks how Disney took one dream away ... just because they could.

[@edwardota1991]

The gray hair was the first thing that caught my eye. This guy is getting old, which means I am too.

[@mlough]

Could have said that in fewer words, but then again it is Quentin 😅

[@samwallaceart288]

This is my life philosophy. I know I'm a solid photographer but I almost never take a photo because that pulls me out of the moment. I'm way more interested in what the camera _can't_ capture, and be an active participant. The camera frame is always too small. Fuck the frame.

[@shawmitchoudhary6480]

I never knew directors would be in another room watching TV, i always thought they were always right there watching every scene be shot

[@gizoe5572]

I think he means that a lot of directors watch the shot on a monitor that might be placed in another room

[@shawmitchoudhary6480]

@@gizoe5572 Oh right, got it

[@the_thing_is]

my man couldn't help himself - had to drum up some director act out and hit his knees to get closer to ol girl's feet in the front there

[@tharunrajan2785]

♥️

[@nolancho]

❤❤

[@soylire30]

GOAT