Quentin Jerome Tarantino ( / ˌ t ær ən ˈ t iː n oʊ / ; born March 27, 1963) is an American director, writer, and actor. His films are characterized by nonlinear storylines , satirical subject matter, an aestheticization of violence , extended scenes of dialogue, ensemble casts consisting of established and lesser-known performers, references to popular culture , soundtracks primarily containing songs and score pieces from the 1960s to the 1980s, and features of neo-noir film.