UPDATE: Matt Damon has revealed a startling new approach Netflix wants filmmakers to adopt, emphasizing the need for movies to reiterate their plots multiple times for viewers distracted by their phones. During an appearance on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Damon and his longtime collaborator Ben Affleck discussed the evolution of storytelling in the age of streaming, a conversation that is igniting widespread debate online.
Damon expressed concern that the home viewing experience is fundamentally altering how stories are told. “It’s just a very different level of attention that you’re willing to or that you’re able to give to it,” he stated. This shift is influencing not only the way movies are crafted but also their budgets. Traditional action films typically included three major set pieces, with significant resources allocated to the climactic finale. However, Damon noted that Netflix is now prioritizing immediate engagement. “They want a big one in the first five minutes,” he said. “It wouldn’t be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they’re watching.”
Affleck weighed in, suggesting that this trend reflects a supply-and-demand scenario. If viewers choose to be distracted, filmmakers must adapt by creating even more compelling content. The conversation has resonated on social media, with users sharing their frustrations over this new style of writing. One user recounted watching “Die Hard” with friends who were preoccupied with chores and their phones, garnering over 55,000 likes as others echoed similar experiences.
The dialogue surrounding this topic comes as Damon’s latest film, “The Rip,” is available for streaming on Netflix. This crime thriller, set in foggy Miami, stars Damon and Affleck as narcotics officers who stumble upon a stash house containing what they initially believe to be $150,000 in hidden cash, only to discover it’s over $20 million. The plot thickens as their seemingly routine operation escalates into a life-threatening siege.
Affleck encouraged fellow filmmakers not to view streaming as an “existential threat,” suggesting that adaptation is key to thriving in this new landscape. “The Rip” is rated R for violence and pervasive language, running for 133 minutes.
This conversation is more than just about movies; it is a reflection of changing viewing habits and the challenges of captivating an audience that is often distracted. As streaming platforms continue to reshape the industry, the implications for storytelling are profound and immediate.
Stay tuned for more updates as this discussion evolves, and consider how these changes might affect your own viewing experiences.
