OUR Steven Spielberg remains a staunch advocate of the cinema experience, from watching movies on streaming platforms.
Despite his production company Amblin Partners’ pending collaboration with Netflix, the popular American filmmaker said in a recent New York Times interview that streaming services like HBO Max are “killing” the work and inspiration of filmmakers, including new high-performance films in the stands, and not in theaters.
Oscar-winning Spielberg turned to Warner Bros. release the entire list of 2021 movies on HBO Max and in theaters on the same day. For the director, this strategy changed the habit of going to movies mostly for adults.
“The pandemic has given streaming platforms the opportunity to increase subscriptions to record levels, as well as kill some of my film director friends because their films were not shown on the big screen. The films were abruptly demoted to HBO Max. And then everything started to change.”
He added, “I think the older audience felt relieved that they didn’t have to step on the popcorn. But I really think that this group, once they get into the cinema and have this experience again with other, foreign people, they will feel good… it depends on how good the films are to attract an audience that in the end and just before the lights come on, he will share his opinion and see the reaction of the others.
After two years in prison, some films returned to theaters before appearing on streaming services. One of them was Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which premiered in theaters in June and was made available on HBO Max in September.
“It’s encouraging that Elvis grossed $100 million at the box office. It gave me hope that many have begun to return to theaters at a time when the pandemic is turning into an epidemic.”
Spielberg, whose movie version of the classic West Side Story came out before he joined Disney+ and HBO Max, said he’s not entirely opposed to the digital approach. “But I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want their film to be on the big screen. I don’t know anyone who would rather be viewed on an iPad or in the living room.”
According to the Los Angeles Times
James Springer is a renowned author and opinion writer, known for his bold and thought-provoking articles on a wide range of topics. He currently works as a writer at 247 news reel, where he uses his unique voice and sharp wit to offer fresh perspectives on current events. His articles are widely read and shared and has earned him a reputation as a talented and insightful writer.