Quentin Tarantino Weighs In: Why Prestige TV Still Falls Short Of Cinematic Excellence

Quentin Tarantino, known for his meticulous filmmaking, recently shared his thoughts on prestige TV during The Joe Rogan Experience. Despite the growing acclaim for series like Yellowstone, Tarantino remains unconvinced that television can rival the immersive experience of cinema.

“Everyone talks about how great television is now… But it’s still television to me,” Tarantino explained. He pointed out that while modern TV uses “cinematic language” to draw viewers in, the medium fundamentally differs from film. For Tarantino, a movie provides a complete story arc, building to a memorable climax. Television, by contrast, often drifts into endless storylines that lack resolution.

He shared his own experience with Yellowstone, a series he initially praised. “The first season, I’m like, ‘Wow, this is great!’” Tarantino said, lauding Kevin Costner’s performance. But as he continued watching, he felt the show devolved into a soap opera, cycling through characters’ backstories and relational drama without ever achieving a satisfying climax. “At the end of the day, it’s just a soap opera,” he concluded.

Tarantino emphasized the lasting impact of films compared to TV shows. A great Western movie, he noted, leaves a lasting impression with its narrative and emotional payoff. “I’ll remember the story, I’ll remember this scene or that scene,” he said.

In contrast, prestige TV, no matter how polished, often fades from memory once the screen goes dark. While Tarantino acknowledges the entertainment value of prestige TV, he insists that the storytelling structure of cinema makes it superior.

His perspective underlines a critical distinction: cinematic experiences are defined by closure and impact, while television thrives on continuity and drama.

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Source: Indiewire

Photo Credit: Mirimax