Welsh Director Jamie Adams Reveals How He Landed Tarantino for Acting Role
Welsh indie director Jamie Adams has shared the surprising truth behind directing Hollywood legend Quentin Tarantino during a six-day shoot for the upcoming film Only What We Carry. In a revealing new interview, Adams disclosed that he recognized Tarantino's first love was acting, a key insight that helped secure the Oscar-winning filmmaker for a significant role.
Tarantino's Return to Major Acting After Three Decades
Adams' new movie is a French drama about a former student who returns home to confront her past, unearthing long-buried truths among a group of interconnected individuals. The film stars Tarantino in his most substantial acting role in 30 years, alongside Sofia Boutella, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lizzy McAlpine, Liam Hellmann, and Simon Pegg.
Despite the tight six-day shooting schedule, Adams praised Tarantino's performance. Tarantino proved to be an exceptional actor. Naturally gifted, the director of She is Love told Variety. He was wonderful. Curious. Collaborative. He loves actors. He loves cinema history. Being in France making something that felt inspired by Eric Rohmer excited him.
How Adams Approached the Acclaimed Director
Adams explained his approach to recruiting Tarantino, noting it was very similar to how he approaches other actors. I guess I was offering something that he wasn't offered ever, Adams said. It felt like he was in a moment of contemplation, he added, referencing Tarantino's recent decision to scrap his expected final directing project, The Movie Critic.
I also knew that his first love was acting. When I was younger, it was common knowledge that he wanted to act—he speaks first in Reservoir Dogs. So I appealed to that side of him, Adams revealed.
Tarantino's 1992 directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, also marked his acting debut. He has since made brief cameos in most of his cult classics, including Inglorious Basterds and Pulp Fiction. The 62-year-old filmmaker has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, mostly in minor roles. His most significant acting part prior to this was in Robert Rodriguez's 1996 action-horror film From Dusk Till Dawn, alongside George Clooney.
The Personal Pitch That Won Tarantino Over
Adams detailed his successful pitch to Tarantino. I sent him the story outline and a letter. I was just very honest about believing in him as an actor, Adams continued. Improvisation, the way I use it, is about being present and reacting organically. He's one of the greatest conversational storytellers. I thought that would be incredible in character. I didn't think I'd hear back. But two weeks later, on a Sunday, his agent emailed saying Quentin was intrigued and wanted a Zoom.
Adams' Future Aspirations for Director-Actors
Looking ahead, Adams expressed interest in working with another high-profile filmmaker-turned-actor. He named Martin Scorsese as someone he'd love to land for his next project. It's time for the directors who really want to be actors to come and improvise, Adams said. [French filmmaker François] Truffaut was a great actor. So many of them are frustrated actors.
This insight into Tarantino's lesser-known passion for acting sheds new light on the filmmaker's career and highlights Adams' unique approach to casting. The collaboration promises to deliver a memorable performance in Only What We Carry, blending Tarantino's storytelling prowess with Adams' improvisational style.
