Playboy Germany has published an interview with the inflammatory comments, but in a new statement, Morricone said there was never an interview.
MODERNIZE: Ennio Morricone refused to take part in an interview with Playboy Germany, saying he calls Quentin Tarantino a "cretin" whose films are "trash". Read his full statement, praising Tarantino and threatening legal action with Playboy Germany:
I have come to my notice that Playboy Germany has come out with an article in which I have called Tarantino a kebot and I find the garbage of his films. This is totally false. I have not interviewed Playboy Germany and even more, I have never called Tarantino a kebot and I certainly do not consider his trash. I have instructed my lawyer in Italy to take civil and criminal proceedings.
I consider Tarantino a great director. I am very pleased with my cooperation with him and the relationship we have developed during the time we spent together. He is courageous and has a huge personality. I think Tarantino is one of the people who is responsible for getting me an Oscar, which is definitely one of the greatest recognitions of my career and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to compose music for his film.
In London, at a press conference in front of Tarantino, I clearly stated that I think Quentin is one of the greatest directors of this era.
Ennio Morricone
Playboy Germany has not yet responded to requests for comment.
EARLIER: Ennio Morricone still has a mixed picture of Quentin Tarantino, with whom he collaborated on "The Hateful Eight" – and eventually won a competitive Oscar prize in the process. The famous composer invited the director to a new interview with Playboy Germany, the translation of which (with the courtesy of Google) draws an incredible view: Morricone refers to Tarantino as a "cretin" whose films are "trash".