Quentin Tarantino has a deep connection with the Cannes Film Festival. It’s where his career took off, and it’s where he continues to show up—not just as a filmmaker, but as a lifelong cinephile.
At Cannes 2025, Tarantino wasn’t premiering a new film, but rather introducing Red Canyon, a movie by director George Sherman. This speaks volumes about his dedication to honoring cinema history and the filmmakers who inspired him. Watching him light up while talking about Sherman is a rare moment of humility from someone often known for his bravado.
Tarantino also spoke about attending this year to see Robert De Niro receive the Palme d’Or, revealing how much admiration he still holds for fellow artists. It’s a poignant reminder that even the most iconic directors remain, at heart, passionate fans of the medium. 
Reflecting on his past, Tarantino discussed his career beginnings, particularly the challenges of making Reservoir Dogs with limited experience. He credits his scriptwriting and focus on characters for getting him through that difficult time. When Pulp Fiction won the Palme d’Or, it marked a turning point in his life, a validation that still resonates today.
One of the most insightful parts of the interview is Tarantino’s description of the script as his “safety net.” He uses the script as a base from which he can creatively deviate while filming, knowing he has something solid to fall back on. This flexibility allows him to explore new ideas while maintaining narrative integrity.
He also freely shares his inspirations—Brian De Palma, Sergio Leone, and others—emphasizing how influence is a positive thing in the creative world. In fact, he welcomes filmmakers drawing from his work, seeing it as proof of his impact.
This interview offers a raw, passionate, and thoughtful glimpse into Tarantino’s world: the fan-turned-filmmaker who still reveres the art form that made him. It’s not just about filmmaking—it’s about loving movies deeply enough to shape your life around them.
Tarantino may be deciding on his tenth and final film, but moments like this show that his role in cinema goes far beyond what he puts on screen.
