Matt Damon Claims Netflix Requests Simplified Storylines for Mobile Viewers

Key Takeaways:

• Netflix is changing the way movies are made, with a focus on keeping viewers engaged at home
• The streamer wants moviemakers to include big action scenes early on and reiterate the plot multiple times in dialogue
• This approach is due to the difference in viewing habits between watching at home and in a theater
• Some filmmakers, like Ben Affleck, argue that this method is not the only way to keep audiences tuned in
• The success of shows like "Adolescence" proves that streamers don’t have to spoon-feed viewers the plot to hold their attention

Introduction to the Changing Movie Industry
The movie industry has undergone significant changes in the past decade, and Netflix has played a substantial role in this transformation. According to Matt Damon, the streaming giant is looking to make even more changes to the way films are made. In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Damon discussed how Netflix is tweaking the way plots are reiterated in dialogue, given that many viewers are now watching movies at home rather than in a theater. This shift in viewing habits has led to a change in the way stories are told, with a focus on keeping viewers engaged and attentive.

The Difference in Viewing Habits
Damon highlighted the difference in viewing experiences between watching a movie at home and in a theater. He recalled a trip to the theater with his family, where they watched a movie on IMAX, and noted that the experience was unique and immersive. In contrast, watching a movie at home is a more casual and distracted experience, with viewers often multitasking and not giving the movie their full attention. This difference in viewing habits is why Netflix wants moviemakers to tell their stories in a different way, with a focus on grabbing the viewer’s attention early on and keeping them engaged throughout.

The Netflix Approach
According to Damon, Netflix is pushing for a new approach to storytelling, with a focus on including big action scenes early on and reiterating the plot multiple times in dialogue. This approach is designed to keep viewers engaged and attentive, even when they are watching at home and may be distracted by other things. Damon explained that the traditional way of making an action movie, with a big finale at the end, is no longer effective in the streaming era. Instead, Netflix wants moviemakers to include a big action scene in the first five minutes, to grab the viewer’s attention and keep them watching.

Alternative Approaches
However, not all filmmakers agree with this approach. Ben Affleck, who co-founded the production company Artists Equity with Damon, pointed out that there are other ways to keep audiences tuned in. He cited the example of the show "Adolescence," which did not use the traditional Netflix approach and yet was still successful. Affleck argued that this shows that streamers don’t have to spoon-feed viewers the plot to hold their attention, and that there are other ways to tell compelling stories. He also noted that the success of "Adolescence" demonstrates that streaming does not pose an existential threat to the movie industry, and that storytelling was bound to shift as circumstances changed.

The Future of Theaters
Despite the rise of streaming, Affleck believes that theaters will never be obsolete. He noted that people will always want to go to the movies as a social experience, and that there is something unique about watching a movie on the big screen. Damon also expressed his love for the theatrical experience, and noted that it is an important part of the movie-going experience. The two actors also discussed their new movie, "The Rip," which is streaming on Netflix and tells the story of two Miami cops whose loyalties are put to the test when they find millions of dollars in drug money hidden in a rundown home.

The Making of "The Rip"
To prepare for their roles in "The Rip," Affleck and Damon spent time with real police officers, researching and gathering material for the film. Affleck noted that he is better skilled at recognizing interesting things from the world and putting them into films, rather than conjuring up ideas from his imagination. Damon, meanwhile, was drawn to the script because it was a page-turner, with competing agendas and complex characters. The movie, which also stars Kyle Chandler, Steven Yeun, and Teyana Taylor, is based on a true story and is streaming now on Netflix.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie industry is undergoing significant changes, driven in part by the rise of streaming and the shift in viewing habits. Netflix is pushing for a new approach to storytelling, with a focus on keeping viewers engaged and attentive at home. However, not all filmmakers agree with this approach, and there are alternative ways to tell compelling stories. The future of theaters is also uncertain, but Affleck and Damon believe that they will always have a place in the movie-going experience. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how filmmakers adapt and respond to the changing landscape.