Quentin Tarantino has responded forcefully to recent criticism from Rosanna Arquette, sending the actress a sharply worded letter.
Arquette has spoken out about Tarantino’s repeated use of the N-word across his films, including Pulp Fiction, in which she played Jody.
In an interview with UK newspaper The Times reflecting on the 1994 movie, Arquette said she still views it as an important film, but said she objects to the slur being used.
She said: “It’s iconic, a great film on a lot of levels. But personally I am over the use of the N-word – I hate it. I cannot stand that [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass.”
Arquette added: “It’s not art, it’s just racist and creepy.”
Tarantino’s work has long drawn discussion for this, with films such as Django Unchained containing frequent instances of the word.
Following Arquette’s comments, Tarantino addressed the matter directly in a letter that accuses her of showing him disrespect and suggests her remarks were made to generate attention.
In the note, he questions whether the media coverage was worth, in his view, insulting him and a film he says she was excited to be part of, before pointedly asking if she stands by her position today.
Tarantino also alleges she criticized the movie for what he describes as “cynical” motives, and he argues that creative peers should maintain an “esprit de corps.”
The Kill Bill filmmaker has defended his writing choices in the past. After winning best screenplay for Django Unchained at the 2013 Golden Globes, he argued that he would not dilute the language he believes fits his characters. The film uses the word 110 times, spoken by both Black and white characters.
He said: “They think I should soften it, that I should lie, that I should massage. I would never do that when it comes to my characters.”
“Dear Rosanna,
“I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and I film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?
“Do you feel this way now?
“Very possibly.
“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 honor.
“There is supposed to be an esprit de corps between artistic colleagues.
“But it would appear the objective was accomplished.
“Congratulations
“Q.”