Anghus Houvouras on Steven Spielberg’s anti-streaming stance…
It’s always interesting when people you admire get older and make startling third act turns and engage in questionable behavior. Like Woody Allen marrying his adopted daughter or Ian McKellen deciding to defend his sexual predator friends by using their closeted sexuality as an excuse. You can’t help but cringe and try to apply logic and reason to their errant thought.
The great Steven Spielberg hasn’t done anything so unforgivable as awkward relationships or inappropriate touching. All he did was make some veiled threats about using his stature in Hollywood to make sure streaming services like Netflix never get any consideration from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences a.k.a. The Oscars. This should surprise no one, as Spielberg has been bemoaning the streaming services and their attempts at becoming legitimized by winning Hollywood’s most coveted prize.
It’s easy to write off Spielberg’s ramblings as the musings and machinations of an old man unhappy with the new kids loitering on his lawn.
You may have been expecting a ‘but’ or ‘however’. Sorry. That’s pretty much what this is.
It’s unfortunate that Spielberg has decided to go knives out late in life. He could be helping usher in a new generation of digital filmmakers or making strides to improve the theatrical experience. Instead of taking up the role of cinematic caretaker, he’s embraced the role of crotchety bureaucratic bully, preserving progress by making sure the game is played by the rules he’s comfortable with. Cinematic gerrymandering, for lack of a more appropriate phrase.
Netflix has made a number of contributions to cinema and the entertainment industry in general. The number of avenues open to modestly budgets features and documentaries has been astronomical. The streaming service started as a competitor to the home video business but has evolved into an argument against the need for the theatrical experience. If anything, streaming services have taken advantage of the archaic practices of movie theaters by offering thousands of movies for the cost of a single ticket. It has allowed movie lovers to have a ridiculously large, cost effective film library which allows them to take in new movies, independent productions, foreign films and documentaries like never before. Sorry Steve, but what have you done for me lately? Other than insulting me with that complete piece of garbage that was Ready Player One.
SEE ALSO: Spielberg v Streaming Services – Even The Best In The Business Can Get It Wrong
I’m sorry Steve. You’re on the wrong side of this one, just as most people who attempt to impede progress are. All because you believe it’s the size of the movie that matters, not how satisfied audiences are when it’s over.
Anghus Houvouras
