5d • General discussion
Why is The Irishman a Netflix Film?
I was disappointed when Netflix paid for Scorcese to make The Irishman. No actual real movie studio would give Martin Scorsese enough funds to make a mob epic? So one of the architects of the death of cinema bails out one of the greatest Directors of time.
There was a time when studios made Art. Producer’s obviously want to make a profit or they will be back parking cars in LA. But studio’s used to take risks too. Every pile of popcorn movie was balanced by a Chinatown.
Nowadays the fear of dropping a risk on something that reaches outside whatever is in this year’s zeitgeist paralyses the decision makers. Too much info all the time. Trends, offended people, what might be cool in six months?
Cinema has always been two headed monster of contradiction. Art vs commerce. Two things that should never be next to each other. One is fed by internal conflict and sacrifice, the other by rage and shortsightedness.
So we watch an endless array of similarities and remakes. The remakes? First you remove anything from the original idea that might be considered writing. Then you release it in 27 formats in the cinema for two weeks. Throw it on streaming in the highest definition possible so people will buy it but never actually own it. Finally you release overpriced physical media in steelbooks., collectors editions, here’s a small toy that looks vaguely like the main character in your film.
If it shows a shiver of success we are bombarded with sequels that are the definition of diminishing returns.
Of course there are some truly gifted Artists working in the movie business. Ari Aster & Robert Eggers with their breakthrough hits Hereditary and The Witch respectively. Their work is left untouched mostly thanx to A24 studios and Neon to name a couple.
In a world where the talentless are famous for shopping, complaining and talking a load of shit for whoever is willing to give them money. True artistry is pushed down to art house definitions and limited releases.
I love streaming and all the independent artists are able to show their efforts for all to see. Good or bad! But if an industry is no longer willing to finance the art and only think of the return, then you’re not a business anymore. You’re a leech to artistic endeavor!
The symbiosis of the relationship is just smoke now. One feeds and the other adapts to lesser control for an overwhelming number of executive producers that believe they know what we like and what we will accept as entertainment.
So back to the Irishman, I bought it on Criterion. The original boutique label of a fascinating cross sections of movies. It’s long, it’s a lot of people talking in rooms.
It’s also exquisite, immersive and addictive. Sure, there are flaws. The technology shows its limitations sometimes. But to see Scorsese, De Niro and Pacino chewing on a script like this one more time. Not profitable?
No major movie could actually lose money anymore. Sure, we live on the 3 day total for a measure of success. Blade Runner made no money when it was released. Brazil was cut massively and failed miserably at its release. Now they are lauded as cinematic classics.
Do you really believe that Waterworld is still running at a loss? After all the format releases, streaming, various versions and continuing technological advances in viewing choices.
Anyway, as usual, I digress, I know Netflix CEO adores cinema but money comes first. And think of all the people that will be trapped in a subscription coz you can only see Scorsese or Guillermo Del Toro on that specific streaming service.
I’m glad The Irishman exists, with all its flaws, because Art is a tapestry of imagination, anguish and mistakes. Cinema is a unique machine that can bend time, lift you up and break your heart.
An optical illusion of dreams and motion. I love it because it feels like a magic trick. Since I discovered cinema it has been a true companion all of my life.
My first post is done, don’t worry, i guarantee you I have more to say. If you enjoyed, hated or want to discuss this, join me here and let’s talk endlessly about all movies.
0
0 comments
Why is The Irishman a Netflix Film?
powered by
skool.com/celluloid-obsession-9963
British projectionist in California obsesses over all kinds of films. Chat, lectures and much foolishness. Film lovers of all genres welcome.
Suggested communities
Powered by