His cult films may be renowned for their graphic violence, but Quentin Tarantino became the star of his own drama at Cannes on Thursday.
We can reveal the Pulp Fiction creator almost got into a tussle at the
exclusive Carlton Cannes hotel after trying to take another man’s seat in the lobby bar.
While many people may have recognised the famous Hollywood director, this particular Brit did not – prompting QT to utter the immortal words: “Don’t you know who I am?”
Our insider says: “It was just after midnight and the man was sitting on a stool at the lobby bar when he felt someone try to grab the chair and drag it from beneath him.
“He turned around so Quentin said, ‘Can I have that chair?’
“The man said, ‘No, you can’t have that chair because I’m sitting on it and I’m not moving!’
“His refusal really riled Quentin and he accused him of being aggressive in front of his crew.
“Realising the guy didn’t recognise him, Quentin said, ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ and everyone around started laughing because obviously it’s Quentin Tarantino. Quentin then tried to sit on the chair while the man was sitting on it but the man stood his ground.”
The US movie maestro – whose 172 awards include two Oscars – only backed down after onlookers started paying attention to the commotion.
The source adds: “A group of people started chanting, ‘Fight, fight, fight!’ You could have cut the tension with a knife.
“Aware that things were escalating, he stormed off and got another chair.
“Quentin’s known for his temper but it was still a huge shock to everyone watching – and a scary moment.”
Quentin had earlier been spotted sipping Campari during lunch with a friend on the hotel’s sun-soaked terrace overlooking the French Riviera.
He was all smiles when guests walked up to shower him with compliments, and was dishing out the handshakes.
All that French sunshine must have left him a bit too hot-headed…
