If you are a Quentin Tarantino fan, you’ve likely heard the filmmaker talk about how he is planning on calling it a day after 10 theatrical films. With “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” arriving in theaters later this month, that means we’re down to one more film left in his promise. But according to Tarantino, depending on how things go with ‘Once Upon a Time,’ he may just retire from filmmaking a little early.
Speaking to GQ Australia, Tarantino discussed his latest film and how he’s still holding firm to his plan of only 10 films. But as he talks it out, he realizes that he may just finish at 9.
“I think when it comes to theatrical movies, I’ve come to the end of the road,” the filmmaker said. “I see myself writing film books and starting to write theatre, so I’ll still be creative. I just think I’ve given all I have to give to movies.”
That sounds like it could either be completely honest or one of those comments that directors sometimes make to drum up enthusiasm for their latest work. However, when the idea of Tarantino retiring after 10 films was brought up to his ‘Hollywood’ star Brad Pitt, the actor thinks his director is serious.
“No, I don’t think he’s bluffing at all,” said Pitt. “I think he’s dead serious. And I kind of openly lament that to him, but he understands the math of when he feels like directors start falling off their game. But he has other plans and we’re not going to have to say goodbye for a long time.”
And with #9 arriving July 26, Tarantino is actually reconsidering his promise of 10 films. Considering he poured his heart and soul in this latest film, an unabashed love letter to an era of Hollywood that he holds dear to his heart, maybe it’s fitting to walk away now.
“Well, um, if it’s really well received, maybe I won’t go to 10,” Tarantino said. “Maybe I’ll stop right now! Maybe I’ll stop while I’m ahead. We’ll see.”
Love him or hate him (and there are plenty of folks on both sides of that argument), there’s no denying that the film community would be missing one of its more unique voices if Tarantino retired from the industry. As he says, he’ll likely stay on and be creative in another medium, but there aren’t too many filmmakers working today that are similar to the “Pulp Fiction” director.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” arrives in theaters on July 26.