UPDATE: Matt Damon has exposed Netflix’s controversial new approach to filmmaking, suggesting the streaming giant wants movies to reiterate plot points “three or four times” to retain viewer attention. During an appearance on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast on October 20, 2023, Damon, along with collaborator Ben Affleck, discussed the shifting landscape of cinema in the age of streaming.
Damon highlighted the challenge of competing with distractions at home, saying, “It’s just a very different level of attention that you’re willing to or that you’re able to give to it.” He emphasized that these changes are not only affecting viewer experience but are also influencing how films are crafted.
Streaming platforms, he noted, are pushing filmmakers to alter traditional structures. “The standard way to make an action movie that we learned was, you usually have three set pieces. One in the first act, one in the second, one in the third,” Damon explained. Now, he revealed, studios request a major action sequence in the first five minutes to maintain viewer engagement.
Ben Affleck supported Damon’s claims, describing the situation as a “supply and demand” issue. He urged filmmakers to focus on producing quality content that can captivate audiences despite the distractions of modern life. Their comments have ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media, with many users expressing frustration over the perceived decline in writing quality for streaming films.
One user tweeted about their experience watching “Die Hard” with friends who were preoccupied with chores and their phones, garnering over 55,000 likes and resonating with others who feel distracted while “watching” movies.
In a bid to address these challenges, Affleck encouraged the film industry to adapt rather than view streaming as an “existential threat.” Their latest project, “The Rip,” a crime thriller now streaming on Netflix, exemplifies their approach. The film, which stars both Damon and Affleck, features Miami narcotics officers who uncover a stash house initially believed to contain $150,000, only to discover over $20 million hidden inside.
“The Rip” is rated R for violence and pervasive language, with a running time of 133 minutes. As streaming platforms continue to evolve, the conversation around how films are made and consumed is more urgent than ever.
Next Steps: Viewers and filmmakers alike are urged to consider how these changes will shape the future of cinema. As the landscape shifts, audiences can expect to see more films designed to cater to an increasingly distracted viewer base. Will this alter the essence of storytelling in cinema? Only time will tell.
