Ava DuVernay Shuts Down Anthony Bourdain's 'Baby Driver' Criticism: 'You're Better Than This'

You don't always have to fight fire with fire.

Film director "Parts Unknown" host had expressed his dislike by writing, "F--k BABY DRIVER," DuVernay called him out. She replied to his tweet, encouraging him to express his opinion in a kinder way.

"You don't have to like it," she wrote. "But have some respect for the artists who made it. You're better than this. Critique doesn't have to be cruel."

You don't have to like it. But have some respect for the artists who made it. You're better than this. Critique doesn't have to be cruel. https://t.co/aiRcvUL1j3
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 5, 2017

DuVernay didn't direct "Baby Driver," so she was in no way obligated to step in, but many fans on Twitter appreciated that she did. Although the social media platform isn't exactly known for being a hotbed of kindness, there were certainly plenty of people who supported the director's call for more respect.

Pardon the pun, but SERVED.
— tacos and beer (@richardagnes) July 5, 2017

Kinda like if someone said that about his food....?
— Paul Guyot (@Fizzhogg) July 5, 2017

A) Baby Driver was AMAZING. B) It's possible to dislike a thing without being rude. Mad disrespectful, Fam
— Nandi Like Ghandi (@Glamorfonic) July 5, 2017

I know, right. ...Like, damn! ... pic.twitter.com/OWqKZKEaoC
— Michelle Hollaway (@UNeed2LawyerUp) July 5, 2017

Such a slick reply. You're all class Ava. Love your work!!!
— Linlee Allen (@delinleedelove) July 5, 2017

TOTALLY AGREE!! Why is it necessary to be nasty?????
— Brenda Covington (@BrendaCovingto6) July 6, 2017

Bourdain has not responded directly to DuVernay at the time of this writing, but he did share a positive opinion on the film "The Raid" the following day, writing, "Quality." It seems the message may have been received.