Martin Scorsese ‘Can’t Speak’ on Quentin Tarantino’s Retirement Because ‘I Am’ Built Differently: ‘He’s a Writer. It’s a Different Thing’

During a recent interview with the Associated Press to promote Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese was asked to weigh in on Quentin Tarantinos impending retirement from feature filmmaking. Tarantino has said for many years that he plans to retire after his 10th movie because he wants to leave behind a strong and tightly-curated filmography. Tarantino is now developing his 10th feature, The Movie Critic, which he plans to be his last.

I just dont know, Scorsese said when the topic of Tarantinos retirement got brought up. When the AP reporter asked Scorsese if hes just built differently than Tarantino, Scorsese answered, I am.

Hes a writer, Scorsese explained. Its a different thing. I come up with stories. I get attracted to stories through other people. All different means, different ways. And so I think its a different processI respect writers and I wish I could. I wish I could just be in a room and create these novels, not films, novels.

Im curious about everything still, Scorsese added. Thats one of the things. If Im curious about something I think Ill find a way. If I hold out and hold up, Ill find a way to try to make something of it on film, but I have to be curious about the subject. My curiosity is still there. I couldnt speak for Quentin Tarantino or others who are able to create this work in their world.

If Tarantino really does retire after The Movie Critic, hell only be in his 60s at the time of leaving filmmaking behind. Scorsese, meanwhile, is 80 years old and just released Killers of the Flower Moon to critical acclaim.

Christopher Nolan was recently asked whether hell take Tarantino or Scorseses career path, to which the Oppenheimer director said: The truth is, I understand both points of view. Its addictive to tell stories in cinema. Its a lot of hard work, but its very fun. Its something you feel driven to do, and so its a little hard to imagine voluntarily stopping.

But I also see Quentins point has always been that and he never, very graciously, hes never specific about the films hes talking about or whatever but hes looking at some of the work done by filmmakers in later years and feeling that if it cant live up to the heyday, it would be better if it didnt exist, Nolan continued. Thats a very purist point of view. Its the point of view of a cinephile who prizes film history.

Nolans take on Tarantinos retirement differs greatly from their friend and fellow filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson.

I know Quentin [Tarantino] likes to say, Im making 10 movies and then Im quitting. But I could never do that, Andersonsaid back in 2018. I dont know how he could say that, or how he could take himself seriously when he says that. This is what I want to do as long as Im able to do it. As long as Im able to do it, Im going to do it. I think things can become peculiar when directors dont act their age maybe, or seeing them try to keep up with the kids or trying to be hip. Thats never a good look.

Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon is now playing in theaters nationwide from Apple and Paramount. Watch his full interview with the AP in the video below.