Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker who needs no introduction. The man behind beloved films like Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will soon be returning with what many believe to be his last film. What do we know about it?
What is Tarantino’s last film?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tarantino’s script is The Movie Critic. Very little is known about it presently, as the film doesn’t even have a studio attached. However, THR reporters say their sources describe the film as being set in “late 1970s Los Angeles,” and features a female lead, which seems likely based on Tarantino’s previous movies.
This has led some to speculate that the film will be based on the life of the legendary Pauline Kael, The New Yorker‘s film critic from 1968 to 1991. Kael had a fascinating life and was known for her excellent prose and opinions that differed from contemporary critics. She also wrote many essays diving deeper into various films with compendiums of her writing frequently topping best-sellers lists. However, this is merely speculation based on Tarantino’s other movies. There is a chance that this title may be misdirection or a working title that isn’t reflective of the film’s content.
Why is this believed to be Tarantino’s last film?
Many are presuming that this will be Tarantino’s last film due to his prior comments. He has long said he would only make 10 films or retire at 60 years old, whichever comes first. Due to both parts of Kill Bill being counted as one movie in Tarantino’s eyes, this next film will be his 10th. Don’t overlook the fact that he will turn 60 on March 27.
This idea of only doing 10 films is something Tarantino has talked about frequently during his career, meaning it’s very likely he holds himself to it. In an interview with Playboy in 2012, he said:
“I want to stop at a certain point. Directors don’t get better as they get older. Usually, the worst films in their filmography are those last four at the end. I am all about my filmography, and one bad film f**ks up three good ones. I don’t want that bad, out-of-touch comedy in my filmography, the movie that makes people think, ‘Oh man, he still thinks it’s 20 years ago.’ When directors get out-of-date, it’s not pretty.”
Tarantino stood by these statements while promoting The Hateful Eight, telling journalists in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that: “The Hateful Eight is my eighth film. The next will be the ninth, and the next [after that] will be the last.”
In a 2021 interview with Bill Maher, Tarantino once again said that his 10th would be his last, arguing that “I know film history and from here on in, filmmakers do not get better.” Making it clear this is something the director feels strongly about.