There’s no denying that Steven Spielberg is probably the most influential filmmaker working today, but even someone like him is not immune to saying some truly dumb stuff, particularly when it comes to Netflix.
Spielberg has had a hate boner for Netflix and its “streaming movies at home” thing for quite a while now, and this past weekend saw him escalate his complaints to new levels of entitlement when it was reported that he plans on lobbying the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to not award any more Oscars to movies released on streaming services because it all diminishes the so-called “theatrical experience”.
After catching wind of Spielberg’s whinging, Netflix has responded with a simple tweet that cuts right through the heart of the director’s ridiculous argument like a hot knife through butter.
We love cinema. Here are some things we also love:
-Access for people who can't always afford, or live in towns without, theaters
-Letting everyone, everywhere enjoy releases at the same time
-Giving filmmakers more ways to share artThese things are not mutually exclusive.
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) March 4, 2019
The best part about Netflix’s response is that Spielberg’s name isn’t mentioned anywhere but we all totally know who this tweet is directed at.
While parts of Spielberg’s argument has merit (his issue about Netflix keeping streaming and box office numbers is pretty valid), it appears that decades of being Hollywood’s most powerful filmmaker has spoiled him into thinking that everyone can get a movie made without relying on streaming services or alternative outlets.
Acclaimed directors such as Ava DuVernay and Alfonso Cuarón, both of whom have had successful partnerships with Netflix, have voiced their approval of streaming services while low-key slinging shade at Spielberg.
One of the things I value about Netflix is that it distributes black work far/wide. 190 countries will get WHEN THEY SEE US. Here’s a promo for South Africa. I’ve had just one film distributed wide internationally. Not SELMA. Not WRINKLE. It was 13TH. By Netflix. That matters. https://t.co/lpn1FFSfgG
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) March 3, 2019
Besides providing filmmakers with a platform for their art that the traditional Hollywood system doesn’t offer, Netflix also provides access to people who may not live five minutes away from a big cinema.
My hometown is located in the middle of nowhere and the nearest decent cinema is two hours away. If it weren’t for Netflix, the chances of seeing a film like Roma would be literally zero.
Speaking of Roma, Spielberg seems to have conveniently forgotten that the Netflix film actually did get a theatrical release and that qualified it for the Oscars (where it deservedly won a bunch including Best Cinematography and Best Foreign Picture). But what do I know, I’m just a writer who watches, reads about, and writes about movies nearly every day.
Having said all that, let’s not let Spielberg’s dumb comments cloud his achievements as a filmmaker. Sure he may be as stubborn as a bull but his work speaks for itself.
Here’s hoping that he comes around at some point. If someone like revered director Martin Scorsese has no problem partnering up with Netflix to make his next film, the crime epic The Irishman, maybe Spielberg will see the light soon enough.