Although the issue of violence in movies has come under increased scrutiny since last month’s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., Quentin Tarantino is drawing the line on any further discussions linking the two.
The “Django Unchained” director has repeatedly said he believes there’s no connection between violent films and real-life shootings. But in a recent interview on NPR’s “Fresh Air” he said it was “disrespectful” to the 20 kids and 6 adults who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School last month to continue investigating that issue.
“I think it’s disrespectful to their memory, actually … to talk about movies,” he said. “I think it’s totally disrespectful to their memory. Obviously, the issue is gun control and mental health.”
Earlier in the interview, he dismissed host Terry Gross’ question about whether “movie violence” became “less fun” after the Sandy Hook massacre.
Tarantino seemed to get increasingly upset when Gross pressed further, asking about his movie-making and viewing behavior.
“When you say, ‘After the tragedy,’ what do you mean by that exactly? Do you mean, ‘On that day, would I watch ‘The Wild Bunch’?’ Maybe not on that day,” Tarantino said. “Would I watch a kung fu movie three days after the Sandy Hook massacre? Maybe, because they have nothing to do with each other.”
Tarantino’s ultra-violent “Django Unchained” has made more than $82 million at the US box office since its Christmas Day release.