Quentin Tarentino is hardly known for conformist opinions. However, he has been a very vocal naysayer of the current swing to ‘big brand’ cinema offerings above the more creative pieces and boutique viewing experiences we once saw dominate the industry. Weighing in on the future of the theatrical experience, he had some interesting opinions to offer- and entertainment lawyer and industry expert, Blake & Wang’s Brandon Blake, has the gist of the argument.
A Four Year Window
Despite this year’s clear swing back in favor of the theatrical experience, he suggests that it is the next four years, and how cinemas adapt to the changed climate, that will solidify how cinema survives in the streaming generation. Surprisingly, he seems to put his money on boutique chains, not big brands, to win the battle. Of course, he is hardly a completely impartial observer, given he himself owns the historic New Beverly cinema in L.A.
There’s certainly some value in the idea that ‘boutique’ individual cinemas and chains can remain more adaptable and versatile in an unsteady climate, but whether such a lofty prediction will hold weight long-term is questionable. We’ve seen big chains and boutique cinemas alike struggle to recover the lost ground of the pandemic, with the smaller ‘big’ chains seeming to fare the best in this year’s recovery.
The Content Question
He also took a- perhaps earned- dig at the rise of Netflix-style originals, calling them a ‘TV show of sorts’ despite their feature-length format. Of course, this is hardly the first streaming dig from the director, and he’s even on record as calling the streaming era ‘depressing’. Presumably in an attack on the lack of ‘artistic’ movies and the current focus on IP franchises and superhero-style movies. Given he has made some streaming deals recently, one could take it as a little hypocritical- but he is likely not wrong in the fact that some ‘worthier’, or at least more individual, fare will be needed to ensure the continued health of streaming and cinema alike. The current trend of sticking with the ‘tried and true’ certainly cannot sustain the film industry forever, but is understandable as we still struggle to fully recover from pandemic setbacks.
Overall, it’s an interesting, if rather controversial, take on the state of the current movie industry. Will he prove right? Only time can tell.
Film and Television 