Working with Brad Pitt Made Tarantino Wish He Could Have 'Real Men' on the Set

Quentin Tarantino is among the most unique and celebrated movie directors of our time, and rightfully so. Every single one of Tarantino’s “nine films” (at least, according to his own math) is considered a golden classic despite their varying genres. However, despite his popularity and acclaim, there’s one thing that prevents Tarantino from achieving bigger greatness — and that’s actors. Again, according to him.

Tarantino and Pitt Worked Together Twice

It’s no one’s secret that Quentin Tarantino largely prefers working with the actors he already knows or at least, those who have previously impressed him. Brad Pitt, the proud member of Hollywood’s royalty, has starred in Tarantino movies twice, but it’s the first time that we’re interested in now: the director’s 2009’s Inglourious Basterds.

Seeing how Inglourious Basterds was largely alluding to 1967’s The Dirty Dozen, it’s interesting that according to Tarantino himself, that movie could never be done in the modern days. After Basterds, he said that even his movie lacked that sheer masculinity despite having a literal Brad Pitt in its star-studded cast.

“We just don't have those kinds of actors any more. Ernest Borgnine. Charles Bronson. Those guys were real men. They were a different breed. Many of them had been to war. Today's young actors are soft,” the director complained to The Guardian.

Tarantino Has Nothing Against Pitt

Despite his rather snarky comment about “real men” and “young soft actors,” we’re pretty sure that Tarantino’s words weren't a personal attack against Brad Pitt. After all, a decade later, the acclaimed director invited the star to lead another movie of his, 2019’s Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood where Pitt once again conquered the hearts and minds of millions.

Quentin Tarantino’s quip most likely had to do with actors’ work ethics and skills: the old-school movie stars he referred to were war veterans who didn’t demand picture-perfect conditions and needed little guidance in action scenes… And modern actors who, thankfully, have had peaceful lives for the most part, don’t share the same mentality. But honestly? Good for them.

It’s far better to somewhat upset Quentin Tarantino than live through a war.

Source: The Guardian