As the landscape of film distribution shifts, the consequences of the streaming revolution are becoming increasingly apparent. Industry professionals and creators are recognizing the problematic nature of current streaming practices, which include issues such as inadequate compensation for those involved with the content and the impermanence of the content itself due to the decisions of rights holders.
The transition from traditional theater viewing to streaming platforms has transformed the way audiences consume media. Reflecting on this evolution, Denis Villeneuve shared his perspective in a Vanity Fair article in 2022. He emphasized that an initial viewing via streaming is not inherently negative, citing personal experiences of discovering films through television:
“As a youngster in a remote area, I encountered many works on small screens, only to be profoundly moved upon seeing them later in theaters. Classics like ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, ‘Planet of the Apes’, and ‘Blade Runner’, despite their poor TV quality, left a deeper impression when I finally watched them in their intended format.”
Villeneuve stresses that films like “Dune” are crafted with the movie theater experience in mind. He points out that even though streaming brings content to a wider audience, it diminishes the grandeur and immersion of films that are designed to be spectacular. He states:
“Films conceived for cinematic splendor should have their genesis on the grand screen. The art of cinema thrives when shared amongst an audience.”
FAQ Section
- What concerns does Denis Villeneuve have about streaming services?
Villeneuve is concerned that streaming services, while making films more accessible, end up diminishing the immersive and overwhelming experience that some films, particularly ones like “Dune”, are meant to provide when viewed in theaters. - What is Villeneuve’s personal experience with watching films on a small screen?
Villeneuve grew up watching many now-classic films on TV, which were often of poor quality. However, he mentioned that these films had a greater impact when he was able to watch them later in a theater. - Did Denis Villeneuve think “Dune” should only be watched in theaters?
While he understands that streaming is a way for more people to see the film, Villeneuve believes that “Dune” was designed for and should be first experienced on the big screen to fully appreciate its intended cinematic impact. - Is watching movies on streaming platforms a bad thing?
Villeneuve does not argue that watching movies on streaming platforms is bad in itself, but he does suggest that consuming them as background noise diminishes the art form. For grand-scale cinema, he advocates for them being born on the big screen.
Conclusion
In an era where digital streaming is becoming the norm, Denis Villeneuve’s sentiments offer a poignant reflection on the state of modern cinema. Despite acknowledging the evolution of how audiences discover and enjoy films, Villeneuve advocates for the preservation of the traditional theater experience for specific types of movies. While the convenience and accessibility of streaming are undeniable, Villeneuve’s perspective emphasizes the importance of honoring the medium’s immersive potential—asserting that certain films are inherently designed to be experienced within the collective environment of a cinema.