The focus has continuously been on Martin Scorsese and Netflix as two significant participants in the dynamic landscape of the cinema and streaming industries. Yet, the narrative takes a fascinating turn with the enigmatic Christopher Nolan. Also known for his outspoken critiques of streaming in cinema, the 53-year-old became an unlikely target for the streaming giant’s ambitions.
The narrative unfolds at the intersection of these cinematic giants, offering a compelling glimpse into the intrigue that surrounds Nolan’s potential journey into the world of streaming, where his beliefs may face an unexpected test.
Netflix Eagerly Sought To Recruit Christopher Nolan
In the fiercely competitive arena of streaming platforms, Netflix has consistently asserted its dominance, boasting an extensive catalog of diverse content.
However, Netflix’s aspirations transcend its already star-studded lineup, and it set its sights on none other than Christopher Nolan, the prominent director renowned for his groundbreaking cinematic creations such as Inception and Dunkirk.
Netflix’s movie chief, Scott Stuber, had previously struck a deal with Steven Spielberg’s production company, signaling Spielberg’s entry into the streaming fray.
Following this tactical move, Netflix announced a collaboration with Amblin, pledging to make at least two movies annually for an unspecified period, further solidifying its dominance in the streaming market. Afterward, Stuber focused on Nolan, another notable figure in the industry.
According to Variety, it was revealed that ongoing discussions have taken place between Stuber and Nolan, exploring the possibility of the acclaimed director creating films for Netflix. The 54-year-old revealed,
“If and when he comes up with his new movie, it’s about can we be a home for it and what would we need to do to make that happen. He’s an incredible filmmaker. I’m going to do everything I can. In this business, I’ve learned you need to have zero ego. I get punched and knocked down and get back up.”
However, a question looms large: Can Nolan, one of cinema’s most persistent champions for the theatrical experience, negotiate his principles with the prospect of making a film for a streaming service?
The very idea seems almost unseemly, given Nolan’s unwavering commitment to the big screen. Yet, if Netflix has its way, this unlikely union may become a reality.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s pursuit of Nolan, despite his prior critiques of the streaming platform, raises the intriguing question of why Nolan, a prominent champion for traditional cinema, had voiced criticism against streaming services in the first place.
Christopher Nolan’s Hostility Toward Streaming Intensified As Warner Bros. Favored HBO Max For Tenet
Nolan, the renowned creative filmmaker, found himself in a contentious position within the land of streaming services. His aversion to streaming platforms was amplified when Warner Bros., a studio with which he had maintained an 18-year association, favored HBO Max as the platform for releasing his film, Tenet.
Nolan fervently criticized Warner Bros.’ decision to simultaneously release all of its 2021 movies in theaters and on HBO Max, referring to the latter as “the worst streaming service.”
This move, announced with little warning, left filmmakers and actors astonished, given its apparent lack of economic rationale. The screenwriter told The Hollywood Reporter,
“Some of our industry’s biggest filmmakers and most important movie stars went to bed the night before thinking they were working for the greatest movie studio and woke up to find out they were working for the worst streaming service.”
Further, the Oppenheimer director added,
“Warner Bros. had an incredible machine for getting a filmmaker’s work out everywhere, both in theaters and in the home, and they are dismantling it as we speak. They don’t even understand what they’re losing. Their decision makes no economic sense, and even the most casual Wall Street investor can see the difference between disruption and dysfunction.”
Traditionally, US theaters have enjoyed a 75-day exclusivity period for showing movies before their availability on streaming platforms. However, under this new strategy, movies only remained on HBO Max for one month before continuing their theatrical run.
While this shift is currently slated for 2021, its potential long-term implications for the landscape of Hollywood cannot be underestimated. Nolan’s vocal objections have raised profound questions about the evolving role of streaming platforms in the intricate world of filmmaking.
Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
