Renowned director Quentin Tarantino joins the ranks of A-list filmmakers expressing concern about the impact of streaming services on the film industry. During an interview with Deadline at the Cannes Film Festival, Tarantino, the mastermind behind Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, revealed how the rise of streaming influenced his choice to retire from directing.
With a firm stance, he emphasized his desire to give his all for three decades and then bid farewell, unwilling to work under diminishing returns. Tarantino expressed his skepticism, questioning the essence of a motion picture in the era dominated by streaming platforms like Apple, which, in his view, could signify the erosion of artistic value.
According to Tarantino, true movies are meant to be released in theaters first, eventually making their way to television. In his pursuit of making his final film, rumored to be titled The Movie Critic, the esteemed director intends to collaborate with Sony Studios. He credits Sony for their unwavering commitment to the theatrical experience, highlighting their dedication as the last stronghold in the industry. Unlike other studios driven by their streaming networks, Sony remains steadfast in prioritizing the cinema experience, measuring success by the number of moviegoers filling theater seats.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Christopher Nolan, Tarantino echoes their sentiment that the streaming industry poses a threat to the artistic value of filmmaking. He raises concerns about the devaluation of movies in the streaming landscape. Tarantino provides an example, noting that while Netflix may pay hefty sums to actors like Ryan Reynolds, the movies they star in fail to leave a lasting impact on the collective consciousness. It is as if these films exist in a vacuum, unable to resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
Tarantino's remarks reflect a growing debate within the film industry, where the rise of streaming services has disrupted traditional distribution models. As streaming gains popularity and investment, veteran directors like Tarantino are taking a stand, emphasizing the significance of the theatrical experience and preserving the artistic integrity of cinema.