URGENT UPDATE: In a startling revelation, Matt Damon has exposed how Netflix is changing the way movies are written, demanding filmmakers restate plots multiple times to capture viewers’ attention on their phones. During an appearance on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast on October 20, 2023, Damon and his longtime collaborator Ben Affleck discussed the evolving landscape of cinema and how audience distractions are reshaping storytelling.
Damon emphasized that watching films at home, with distractions like pets and children, creates a very different viewing experience compared to traditional theaters. He noted, “It’s just a very different level of attention that you’re willing to or that you’re able to give to it.” This shift in focus, he argued, is starting to impact how stories are crafted for the screen.
Streaming platforms, according to Damon, are now pushing for filmmakers to create engaging moments earlier in the movie. He explained that the classic structure of action films—centered around three major set pieces—has been altered. “Now they’re like, ‘Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay,'” Damon said, adding that reiterating the plot three or four times during the dialogue has become a common request.
Affleck echoed this sentiment, pointing out that filmmakers must respond to audience behavior, stating, “If people want to look at their phone, they probably will… make it really good.” This conversation has ignited an online debate, with many social media users expressing frustration over the trend of distracted viewing, even when watching classic films like “Die Hard.”
One user lamented, “Had roommates that had never seen ‘Die Hard,’ so I decided to watch it with them. The entire movie they’re doing chores and on their phones,” a post that garnered over 55,000 likes. Many chimed in, highlighting the growing trend of multitasking while watching movies, which has profound implications for filmmakers and the industry.
Damon and Affleck’s comments come as their new film, The Rip, is now available for streaming on Netflix. The R-rated crime thriller follows Miami narcotics officers who stumble upon a stash house initially believed to hold $150,000 but is later revealed to contain over $20 million. As the officers’ mission escalates into a dangerous siege, the film’s narrative reflects the tension and unpredictability of the modern drug trade.
Damon, who stars as Lt. Dane Dumars, emphasizes that this new dynamic should not be viewed as an “existential threat” to filmmakers. They must instead embrace adaptability and strive to create compelling content that captivates audiences, regardless of how they choose to watch.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, industry experts and fans alike are left wondering how these changes will further impact the art of filmmaking. The implications of Damon’s insights may shape the future of cinema as we know it.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
