Christopher Nolan Says Quentin Tarantino’s Reason for Retiring Is ‘Very Purist’: ‘It’s the POV of a Cinephile Who Prizes Film History’

Christopher Nolan recently told the ReelBlend podcast (via CinemaBlend) that he understands Quentin Tarantinos decision to retire from feature filmmaking after his upcoming 10th directorial effort, titled The Movie Critic. Tarantino has spoken for years about his plan to retire, saying he wants to leave behind a consistently strong and tightly curated body of work.

And do you believe him? Nolan asked the podcast hosts regarding Tarantinos planned retirement.

Theres no reason not to believe Tarantino at this time. Every time hes dropped details about his next movie, The Movie Critic, he has reminded fans it will be his last directorial feature while also stressing that just because he is retiring from filmmaking doesnt mean he cant write books, plays, television series and more. Tarantino bringing his filmmaking career to an end in his 60s is a contrast to a filmmaker like Martin Scorsese, who is releasing Killers of the Flower Moon at age 80 later this year.

The truth is, I understand both points of view, Nolan said when asked if he wants to take Tarantino or Scorseses route. Its addictive to tell stories in cinema. Its a lot of hard work, but its very fun. Its something you feel driven to do, and so its a little hard to imagine voluntarily stopping.

Nolan continued, But I also see Quentins point has always been that and he never, very graciously, hes never specific about the films hes talking about or whatever but hes looking at some of the work done by filmmakers in later years and feeling that if it cant live up to the heyday, it would be better if it didnt exist. And I think thats a very purist point of view. Its the point of view of a cinephile who prizes film history.

Although Nolan understands where Tarantino is coming from, hes not sure he entirely agrees. After all, theres usually at least one element to appreciate in a mixed film from a great director.

Im not sure that I would trust my own sense of the absolute value of a piece of work to know whether or not it should have been brought into existence, Nolan told the ReelBlend hosts. Im a big fan, as is Quentin, of films that maybe dont fully achieve what they try to, but theres something in there thats a performance, or a little structural thing, or a scene, you know, thats wonderful. And so, yes, I understand. I think wanted to keep a sort of perfect reputation of something, but also kind of dont want to take anything off the table.

Nolans take on Tarantinos retirement differs greatly from their friend and fellow filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson.

I know Quentin [Tarantino] likes to say, Im making 10 movies and then Im quitting. But I could never do that, Anderson said back in 2018. I dont know how he could say that, or how he could take himself seriously when he says that. This is what I want to do as long as Im able to do it. As long as Im able to do it, Im going to do it. I think things can become peculiar when directors dont act their age maybe, or seeing them try to keep up with the kids or trying to be hip. Thats never a good look.

Nolans latest directorial effort, Oppenheimer, is his 12th directorial effort. Its already earning rave first reactions ahead of its theatrical release. Taxi Driver writer Paul Schrader even called it the best and most important film of this century.

Oppenheimer opens in theaters July 21 from Universal Pictures.