As John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, and Harvey Keitel celebrated three decades of “Pulp Fiction,” news emerged about Quentin Tarantino’s tenth and final film. Reports indicated that Tarantino had scrapped “The Movie Critic,” a project that was to follow a writer for a pornographic magazine in 1970s California. Brad Pitt was rumored to star, continuing his collaboration with Tarantino.
Plot and Setting
“The Movie Critic” was set in 1977 California and focused on an obscure movie critic for a pornographic magazine, drawing inspiration from a real critic Tarantino admired as a teenager (speculated to be James Margold, who is mentioned on the Cinema Speculation podcast, but who might also be a Tarantino psuedonym). Described as a blend of early Howard Stern and Travis Bickle, the character was envisioned as a cynical, funny writer who died young.
Development and Cancellation
Despite securing a $20.2 million subsidy from California and speculated casting of Brad Pitt, Tarantino decided to rethink his final film in April 2024. This decision mirrored his previous experience with “The Hateful Eight,” which he initially abandoned after a script leak but later revived.
Inspirations and Speculation
Tarantino’s decision to shelve “The Movie Critic” remains mysterious. Fans speculate it might resurface, given Tarantino’s history of revisiting projects. The director has emphasized his desire to maintain the integrity of his filmography, wary of the decline in quality that can afflict filmmakers in their later years.
Future Prospects
The Movie Critic has been shelved indefinitely, though Tarantino may have reworked parts of it into the new Brad Pitt movie that David Fincher is directing, currently named “The Adventures of Cliff Booth“.
Why Only 10 Films?
Tarantino has long stated his intention to direct only ten films to avoid diminishing returns and preserve the quality of his work. He believes in leaving audiences wanting more, rather than risking becoming an out-of-touch filmmaker. Beyond that, he’s also said that he won’t make his next film until his son Leo can appreciate being part of his father’s filmmaking, which he has said will take a few years.
Afterwards he plans to work on other projects outside of directing, like stageplays, books, and acting.
Filmography
Tarantino’s nine films so far are:
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Jackie Brown (1997)
- Kill Bill Volume 1 (2003) and Volume 2 (2004) – counted as one film
- Death Proof (2007)
- Inglourious Basterds (2009)
- Django Unchained (2012)
- The Hateful Eight (2015)
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Final Thoughts
Tarantino’s meticulous approach to his final film underscores his commitment to ending his career on a high note. As fans and the film industry eagerly await his next move, his legacy as a filmmaker continues to spark discussions and admiration.