Top Ten Quentin Tarantino Interviews About Screenwriting

After exploding onto the cinematic forefront of our minds in the early 1990s, Quentin Tarantino has become one of the most iconic faces of screenwriting. For over two decades his scripts have given us perfect examples of unique storytelling, dynamic dialogue, and some of the most interesting characters ever to hit the big screen.

Inspired by Indie Film Hustle's collected Tarantino interviews about screenwriting and filmmaking, we feature some of those selected interviews below — as well as our own selections — offering a look into this masterful storyteller's process and perspective.

1. Quentin Tarantino on Getting Rejected by Hollywood Readers

This Howard Stern interview offers some insight into how a now iconic screenwriter like Quentin Tarantino was rejected time and time again by studio readers. While I don't agree with Howard's ascertain that studio readers don't know what they're talking about when it comes to screenwriting — yes, I am a former reader — this interview offers an interesting look into that process.

2. Quentin Tarantino: Hollywood's Boy Wonder

A BBC production from 1994, Quentin Tarantino: Hollywood’s Boy Wonder profiles the auteur in the wake of the success of his now-classic Pulp Fiction. We even get to see him being interviewed by Brian DePalma. It's an amazing look into the early years of Tarantino's success where you truly see the video store clerk still ever-present.

3. The Inspiration For Pulp Fiction

Another early look at Tarantino as he talks with Charlie Rose about Pulp Fiction and his overall love of cinema. They also discuss storytelling techniques of Hollywood and his own films.

4. QT on the Original Non-Linear Structure of His True Romance Script

An amazing insight into the original non-linear structure of his script and the difference there was between that and Tony Scott's eventual film. It really showcases the different ways that screenwriters can tell a story.

5. QT Looks Back at His Extraordinary Career with BAFTA

An amazing collection of stories touching on most of his films and scripts. Perhaps the most entertaining is the story regarding Natural Born Killers and Tarantino's disdain for what Oliver Stone did to his script, forcing him to demand that his top screenwriting billing be taken off.

6. The Big Interview w/ Dan Rather

During the candid 40-minute conversation with Dan Rather, the screenwriter and director sheds some light on his personal life and childhood; shares his views on showmanship, religion, and retirement; and discusses how his latest film, The Hateful Eight, addresses race relations in America.

7. Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez talk with New York Times Grindhouse

An excellent look into the relationship of these two pioneers, how they met, how they came to work together, etc.

8. Quentin Tarantino Talks The Hateful Eight with DP/30

Tarantino breaks down the character types in his movies, eventually relating them to The Hateful Eight. More interesting insight into how he tackles characters.

9. Quentin Tarantino On Making Movies

He speaks with Charlie Rose again, this time detailing the filmmaking process. This short interview clip offers engaging thoughts and perspectives that screenwriters and directors alike can take from.

10. The Making of Kill Bill Vol.1

It's more of a studio featurette about the making of the film, however, Kill Bill fans will learn a lot about where this concept originated from.