Welsh filmmaker Jamie Adams has opened up about the remarkable experience of directing Quentin Tarantino in his latest project, *Only What We Carry*. The film marks Tarantino’s first substantial acting role in three decades, and Adams reflects on the director’s passion for the craft. Set against the backdrop of a poignant French drama, the film promises to unveil complex human connections as a former student confronts her past.
A New Chapter in Tarantino’s Career
In a recent interview with *Variety*, Adams shared insights into his six-day shooting experience with the Oscar-winning director. Tarantino, known primarily for his groundbreaking work behind the camera, showcased his talents in front of it, demonstrating a natural flair that left Adams thoroughly impressed. “He was wonderful. Curious. Collaborative,” Adams said, highlighting Tarantino’s deep love for actors and cinematic history. The film, which also features Sofia Boutella, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lizzy McAlpine, Liam Hellmann, and Simon Pegg, is set to explore themes of memory and connection among a group of intertwined characters.
A Unique Approach to Casting
Adams’ strategy for enticing Tarantino into the role was refreshingly straightforward: he tapped into the filmmaker’s original passion for acting. “I felt like I was offering something that he wasn’t often presented with,” Adams explained. Having previously directed films that emphasise emotional depth and improvisation, he recognised that Tarantino had been in a reflective phase, particularly after the cancellation of his anticipated project, *The Movie Critic*. Adams recalled, “I also knew that his first love was acting.” This insight guided him in crafting a personal letter to Tarantino, expressing his faith in the director’s acting abilities.
The Art of Improvisation
When discussing his directorial style, Adams emphasised the role of improvisation, which he sees as a way to foster genuine reactions among actors. “He’s one of the greatest conversational storytellers,” Adams remarked, underscoring his belief that Tarantino’s conversational skills would translate beautifully into character work. After sending the story outline, Adams was pleasantly surprised when, two weeks later, he received an email from Tarantino’s agent expressing interest—a testament to the engaging narrative Adams had crafted.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Adams has ambitions to collaborate with other cinematic heavyweights. When asked about potential actors for his next film, he expressed a desire to work with Martin Scorsese, suggesting it was time for directors who harbour acting aspirations to step into the spotlight. “So many of them are frustrated actors,” he noted, echoing a sentiment that resonates within the industry.
Why it Matters
Tarantino’s foray back into acting not only signals a personal renaissance for the acclaimed director but also underscores the evolving landscape of cinema where boundaries between acting and directing blur. As audiences crave authenticity and depth in storytelling, the collaboration between seasoned directors and their aspirations to perform could herald a new wave of creativity and innovation in film. Adams’ unique vision and Tarantino’s storied legacy promise to offer viewers an enriching cinematic experience that revisits the fundamental joys of storytelling.
