It’s awards season and with that comes the flood of prestige dramas that are here to capture the hearts and minds of film fans across the world. However, the best drama happening in the entertainment industry isn’t directed by Alfonso Cuaron or Barry Jenkins. No, it’s happening in real life between film composer Ennio Morricone and Playboy Germany. And now, finally, it appears we have the conclusion we’ve been all waiting for.
For those that haven’t been following the twists and turns of the story, here’s a brief summary: Oscar-winning film composer Ennio Morricone, who just celebrated his 90th birthday, was apparently giving an interview with Playboy Germany. And in that interview, the composer was quoted as badmouthing filmmaker Quentin Tarantino (the duo collaborated on “The Hateful Eight”) and the Oscars. Morricone immediately denied the quotes, and eventually denied the entire interview. Playboy fought back, giving the date and location of the interview in question, saying that Morricone was the one being misleading.
But now, it appears that Morricone, who has previously talked badly about Tarantino in the past, was the one telling the truth.
Playboy Germany editor-in-chief Florian Boitin issued a new statement (via Variety) saying, “Up to now, we have considered the freelancer who conducted the Ennio Morricone interview on our behalf to be a renowned print and radio journalist. In the past, we have had no reason to doubt his journalistic integrity and skills. Based on the information now at our disposal, we must unfortunately assume that the words spoken in the interview have, in part, been reproduced incorrectly.”
He continued, “We would like to express our regret should Mr. Morricone have been portrayed in a false light. We are working to clarify this matter and are exploring legal measures.“
Now, it’s unclear what Boitin means by saying the quotes were “reproduced incorrectly.” That doesn’t answer the question of whether or not Morricone conducted the interview at all, or if maybe he did and the quotes were taken out of context or misconstrued.
Either way, it appears the drama is over. And what a whirlwind it’s been!