Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino sharply responds to actress Rosanna Arquette’s criticism of his repeated use of the N-word in Pulp Fiction, calling her remarks a cynical bid for attention.

Arquette’s Criticism of the Film

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Arquette describes Pulp Fiction as an “iconic” and “great film on a lot of levels,” but expresses strong disapproval over the racial slur’s use about 20 times. “Personally I am over the use of the N-word – I hate it,” she states.

Arquette argues that Tarantino’s status as an auteur does not justify the word’s liberal inclusion in scripts. “I cannot stand that [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass,” she says. “It’s not art, it’s just racist and creepy.”

She also reveals financial regrets, noting she was “the only person who didn’t get a back end” of the film’s massive profits. “Everybody made money except me,” Arquette adds, linking it to sexual harassment she endured from producer Harvey Weinstein at the Beverly Hills Hotel before the 1994 release.

Arquette, one of many women who accused Weinstein during the #MeToo movement, shares: “I was fortunate because I was not raped. But, boy, was it going there and I paid a price for saying no, and later I paid a price for telling the truth.” Weinstein faced a 2022 sex assault conviction in California.

Tarantino’s Direct Response

Tarantino addresses Arquette in a pointed statement, questioning her motives amid widespread media coverage. “Dear Rosanna, I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and a film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?” he writes.

He criticizes her for attacking the film over three decades later, after accepting the role of Jody, wife of drug dealer Lance (played by Eric Stoltz). “Do you feel this way now? Very possibly,” Tarantino notes. “After I gave you a job, and you took the money, to trash it for what I suspect is very cynical reasons, shows a decided lack of class, no less honor.”

Tarantino invokes the French phrase “esprit de corps,” referring to the shared spirit among artistic collaborators that fosters enthusiasm and group honor. He concludes: “It would appear the objective was accomplished. Congratulations – Q.”