Quentin Tarantino responds to Rosanna Arquette’s “very cynical” criticism of him using N-word in movies
Quentin Tarantino has claimed that Rosanna Arquette’s criticism of him using the N-word in his movies was made for “very cynical reasons”.
The row was sparked when Arquette, who had a minor role in the Tarantino classic Pulp Fiction, said in an interview with the Sunday Times over the weekend that she “hates” the N-word and “cannot stand” that the director has been given a “hall pass” to use it, calling it “racist and creepy.”
Subsequently, Tarantino has now hit back at the actor in an open letter, claiming that her comments were made for “very cynical reasons”, saying it showed “a decided lack of class, no less honour.”
The filmmaker wrote (per Variety): “I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and a film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?”
Arquette played the minor role of Jody in Pulp Fiction, the wife to Eric Stoltz’s Lance, and who appears opposite John Travolta’s Vincent Vega in various scenes.
“Do you feel this way now? Very possibly,” Tarantino continued. “But after I gave you a job, and you took the money, to trash it for what I suspect is very cynical reasons, shows a decided lack of class, no less honour.”
The director has been the subject of criticism for his use of the N-word in the past, with the racial slur appearing in Pulp Fiction 20 times but in Django Unchained 110 times.
However, this has also been defended by a number of the films’ stars and Tarantino’s frequent collaborators, such as Jamie Foxx and Samuel L Jackson.
Signing off his letter to Arquette, the director said: “There is supposed to be an esprit de corps between artistic colleagues,” adding, “But it would appear the objective was accomplished. Congratulations. Q.”
Never Miss A Take
The Far Out Quentin Tarantino Newsletter
All the latest Quentin Tarantino content from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.