STATESIDE

The Tarantino backlash continues. It seems he wants to do everything. He has made a cameo appearance on a sitcom and has directed an episode of NBC's ER.

The ER episode was poor. Apart from unnecessary close-ups of blood-soaked operations, there were few Tarantino touches. But it is his talk-show appearances that are driving Americans crazy. Every night he crops up somewhere, talking very loudly about his wonderful personality.

After one appearance I found myself standing behind three media types in the local coffee shop. "Did you see Tarantino last night?" asked one. "God, wasn't he ghastly," said the second. "I love his movies, but they should pass a law against him talking about himself," said the third. "Yes," agreed number one. "Besides, he once stood me up on a date." Hell hath no fury ...