Why Francis Ford Coppola’s Hot Take on Streaming Isn’t Entirely Correct? – “Its anti art”
- Francis Ford Coppola argues that streaming platforms are degrading the art of cinema.
- Coppola believes movies lose their immersive atmosphere impact on small screens.
- However, streaming provides convenient viewing options and many other benefits as well.
The movie industry has gone through a big revolution in the recent past. The debate between theatrical and streaming experiences has been ongoing for the last few years, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak changed the way people watch movies.
However, this transformation has not been fun for everyone. Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, the man behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, is not keen on the streaming movement, and he has some strong opinions about it.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Perspective on Streaming
It can’t be argued that Francis Ford Coppola has made huge contributions to cinema. The movie industry has been influenced by his works for decades. So when he speaks, people listen. He is now back in the limelight with all the preparations for his movie, Megalopolis.
When Coppola was interviewed by Discussing Film, Coppola said he had no love for streaming as he felt that it lowered the art of making movies.
Well, streaming is a dumb phrase because all it is, what it really is, we’ve always had – it was called home video. I know a lot about streaming and streaming moves in the direction of a business model where they’re trying to get subscriptions. To me it’s anti-art. Better that people go to a big theater, not a multiplex, but a real theater—and see a movie with 300 people.
Many other directors are also concerned about the future of cinema. They believe that streaming is killing the experience of theater. And there really is some truth in this. Theaters, on the other hand, started suffering losses as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic occurred.
Coppola’s reasons lie in the experience of traditional movie theaters. A large screen, uplifting audio, and audience reactions help create an amazing atmosphere. Movies become memorable when there is a strong experience attached to them.
Besides, a small screen can’t generate enough impact during a grand action scene or something similar, as compared to a theater screen. Movies like Oppenheimer and Deadpool & Wolverine can’t be enjoyed to their fullest on small digital screens.
Streaming is also moving up in cost. Many are also limiting the sharing of accounts to negate plan sharing, which was earlier useful in families and friend groups. Besides this, subscribing to only one streaming platform is not enough, as different movies are released on different platforms.
This results in more expenditure. A standard Netflix plan can cost around $15.49, and subscribing to other platforms will cost another $30 to $40 per month. If this scenario is considered, it doesn’t look like streaming is that cheaper than watching 2 or 3 movies a month in theaters.
Why Francis Ford Coppola’s Take Isn’t Entirely Correct
Indie movies, documentaries, series, and other genres that did not find a theatrical release before can reach out to a larger audience now than they ever could have in theaters. Streaming is giving the exposure new actors need to make a name for themselves.
Viewers also feel free to experiment with new films and genres that they could not attempt in theaters. Regarding filmmakers, streaming allows for freedom of creative expression because directors and producers can directly deliver to the audience without being constrained by studio-set norms and dates.
Films like Roma and The Irishman, which did not have a great theatrical response, received good viewership and critical acclaim on the streaming services. Another great benefit that may be noted in favor of streaming is convenience.
Services like Netflix and Hulu enable viewers to watch a variety of movies without being dependent on fixed theater timings. Also, streaming has reduced the cost of watching a number of films by only subscribing to one platform.
Theaters require a family to spend more than $50 for movie tickets alone, more if food and drinks are included. Netflix offers a monthly subscription for a way lower price. In addition to that, streaming platforms provide facilities like multiple languages and other usual controls like pause, fast forward, etc.
All in all, it’s about balance. Streaming is not the best, but neither are theaters. Both have their own position within the culture of cinema. It is upon the viewers to choose what works best for them and when.
