The battle for our attention has reached a boiling point. On one side, the streaming behemoth Netflix, with its CEO Reed Hastings declaring traditional movie theaters a relic of the past. On the other, acclaimed director Rian Johnson, who’s doubling down on the cinematic experience, insisting his next project belongs on the big screen. The debate is about to get real. In an era where convenience and comfort are increasingly prioritized, can the magic of the movie palace hold its ground? In this article, we’ll explore the opposing views of Hastings and Johnson, and what their stances mean for the entertainment industry’s future. Buckle up, folks – it’s about to get interesting.
Theater vs. Streaming
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently sparked controversy by labeling movie theaters an “outdated concept” during the Time100 Summit. Sarandos’ comments have drawn criticism from filmmakers who believe that the theatrical experience is essential to the film industry. Morningpicker takes a closer look at the implications of Sarandos’ comments on the movie industry and movie-goers.
Sarandos’ comments have sparked a heated debate about the future of movie theaters. While some argue that the rise of streaming services has made theaters obsolete, others believe that the theatrical experience is essential to the film industry. Morningpicker explores both sides of the debate to understand the implications of Sarandos’ comments.
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos>’ Take on the Movie Industry
Sarandos’ comments have been met with criticism from filmmakers who believe that the theatrical experience is essential to the film industry. During the Time100 Summit, Sarandos stated that movie theaters are an “outdated concept.” This comment has sparked a heated debate about the future of movie theaters. Sarandos’ comments have drawn criticism from filmmakers who believe that the theatrical experience is essential to the film industry.
The impact of Sarandos’ comments on the film industry is significant. Movie theaters have long been the primary platform for film distribution. With the rise of streaming services, the need for movie theaters has decreased, and many have been forced to close. Sarandos’ comments have sparked concerns that the film industry is moving away from traditional movie theaters and towards streaming services.
The impact of Sarandos’ comments on movie-goers is also significant. Movie-goers have long relied on movie theaters as a platform to watch new releases. With the rise of streaming services, movie-goers have more options than ever before. Sarandos’ comments have sparked concerns that the film industry is moving away from traditional movie theaters and towards streaming services. This shift could have significant implications for movie-goers who rely on movie theaters for entertainment.
Rian Johnson’s Counterpoint
Rian Johnson, the director behind Netflix’s popular “Knives Out” movie franchise, has disagreed with Sarandos’ views on movie theaters. During an interview with Morningpicker, Johnson stated that he loves going to see movies and believes that people want to see movies in theaters.
Johnson’s comments are significant because they highlight the importance of the theatrical experience. Johnson believes that the theatrical experience is essential to the film industry and that people want to experience movies in a communal setting. This is in stark contrast to Sarandos’ comments, which suggest that movie theaters are an “outdated concept.”
Johnson’s comments are also significant because they highlight the success of recent movies like “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie.” These movies have been successful at the box office, demonstrating that people are still interested in going to see movies in theaters. Johnson’s comments suggest that the film industry should focus on creating movies that people want to see, rather than abandoning traditional movie theaters in favor of streaming services.
Johnson’s comments have sparked a heated debate about the future of movie theaters. While some argue that the rise of streaming services has made theaters obsolete, others believe that the theatrical experience is essential to the film industry. Morningpicker explores both sides of the debate to understand the implications of Johnson’s comments.
Johnson’s Take on the Theatrical Experience
Johnson’s comments have been met with praise from filmmakers who believe that the theatrical experience is essential to the film industry. During an interview with Morningpicker, Johnson stated that he loves going to see movies and believes that people want to see movies in theaters. This comment has sparked a heated debate about the future of movie theaters.
The impact of Johnson’s comments on the film industry is significant. Johnson’s comments have highlighted the importance of the theatrical experience. The success of recent movies like “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie” demonstrates that people are still interested in going to see movies. Johnson’s comments suggest that the film industry should focus on creating movies that people want to see, rather than abandoning traditional movie theaters in favor of streaming services.
The impact of Johnson’s comments on movie-goers is also significant. Movie-goers have long relied on movie theaters as a platform to watch new releases. Johnson’s comments suggest that the film industry should focus on creating movies that people want to see, rather than abandoning traditional movie theaters in favor of streaming services. This shift could have significant implications for movie-goers who rely on movie theaters for entertainment.
Netflix’s Theatrical Efforts
Despite Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ recent comments about the movie theater business being an “outdated concept,” the streaming giant has been making efforts to own and operate movie theaters, particularly for award season titles and theatrical runs.
For instance, Netflix owns the Bay Theater in Los Angeles and the Paris Theater in New York, which serve as key venues for the streamer’s award season titles, as they are required to have theatrical runs for consideration. Additionally, Netflix has given select titles, such as Rian Johnson’s 2022 “Knives Out” movie, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” a limited theatrical release on about 700 screens.
The Future of “Knives Out” and Theatrical Releases
Rian Johnson’s Vision for Theatrical Releases
Contrary to Sarandos’ comments, filmmaker Rian Johnson, who has worked with Netflix on the “Knives Out” movies, believes that people still want to see movies in theaters, citing the box office success of films like Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and Jared Hess’ “A Minecraft Movie.”
The Next “Knives Out” Chapter
Johnson’s plans for the next “Knives Out” chapter, “Wake Up Dead Man,” involve pushing for a wider release in more theaters, working closely with Netflix as a great partner. He expressed his desire to have the film in as many theaters for as long as possible, emphasizing that he wants as many people as possible to see it in that form.
Conclusion
As Netflix’s CEO boldly declared movie theaters a relic of the past, it seemed like a death knell for the traditional cinematic experience. But director Rian Johnson, known for his work on films like “Looper” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” is bucking the trend. In an era where streaming has become the norm, Johnson is committed to giving his next film a big-screen debut. This dichotomy highlights the ongoing struggle between the old guard of movie theaters and the new wave of streaming giants.
The implications of this debate extend far beyond the film industry itself. It speaks to the broader shift in consumer behavior and the way we consume entertainment. As the lines between platforms continue to blur, it’s clear that the future of storytelling will be shaped by the intersection of technology and creativity. Johnson’s decision to premiere his next film in theaters is a testament to the enduring power of the big screen, where immersive experiences and communal viewing can still be had. But it also highlights the need for innovation and adaptability in an industry that’s rapidly evolving.
As the battle for our attention continues, it’s clear that the future of entertainment will be shaped by those who can effectively navigate this new landscape. Will movie theaters continue to thrive, or will they become a relic of the past? One thing is certain: the power to shape the narrative lies with the creators. And as we look to the future, it’s clear that the most compelling stories will be those that find a way to bridge the gap between old and new, between screens and seats.