The latest remarks by Quentin Tarantino shine a harsh spotlight on a performance many critics — and audiences — consider iconic. For Tarantino, There Will Be Blood remains a nearly perfect film — but he says it falls short of perfection because of Paul Dano’s turn as the Sunday brothers. He argues Dano simply couldn’t match the operatic force of Daniel Day‑Lewis’s Daniel Plainview, calling the role a liability in an otherwise flawless cinematic experience. His choice to suggest a teenage Austin Butler instead is provocative, drawing a stark contrast to the long‑established gravitas Dano has demonstrated elsewhere.
Still, it’s worth noting that Dano’s career has flourished far beyond that 2007 performance — a testament to his enduring range and talent. While Tarantino’s opinion will certainly stir debate among cinephiles, many will continue to view Dano’s role in There Will Be Blood as one of modern cinema’s most memorable supporting performances.