George Clooney has expressed his irritation with director Quentin Tarantino over comments made about his status as a "movie star". The Hollywood actor, known for his roles in films like "Ocean's Eleven" and "Up in the Air", took issue with Tarantino's dismissal of his career during an interview.
Clooney's frustration stems from a recent interview where Tarantino, while discussing other actors, allegedly said Clooney was "not a movie star" and challenged him to name a successful film since the turn of the millennium. Clooney, whose career spans decades, pointed out that "that's kind of my whole bloody career."
The pair have a history, having worked together on the 1996 cult classic "From Dusk Till Dawn", where Tarantino played Clooney's brother. While Clooney admitted Tarantino's acting was "okay", he clearly felt stung by the director's recent remarks.
The comments came amidst Tarantino's ongoing criticism of the "Marvelisation of Hollywood", arguing that the rise of superhero franchises has diminished the importance of individual actors. In a previous interview, he stated that "these franchise characters that become a star" rather than the actors themselves.
The two actors, who have also collaborated on several films together, discussed the challenges of navigating fame in the public eye during the interview with GQ magazine. Brad Pitt, Clooney's long-time friend and frequent co-star, shared his own experience with the relentless paparazzi, acknowledging that Clooney's stance on privacy inspired him.
Clooney revealed that he and Pitt, both fathers, prioritize protecting their children from the constant scrutiny of the media. "We deal in very serious subject matters, with very serious bad guys, and we don't want to have photos of our kids out there," he said, highlighting the lengths they go to for their families.
While the interview showcased a shared experience of navigating fame, it also revealed a clear tension between Clooney and Tarantino. Despite their history, Clooney's response suggests the director's recent comments have left a lasting mark. The actors are set to star in the upcoming film "Wolfs", which may offer another opportunity for the pair to collaborate, but the lingering tension between Clooney and Tarantino will likely continue to be a talking point in the industry.