WASHINGTON – Streaming services like Netflix are subtly reshaping how movies are written, prioritizing immediate engagement over traditional storytelling arcs, according to recent comments from actor Matt Damon.
The Attention Economy and the Future of Film
Actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck discussed the impact of at-home viewing habits on filmmaking during a conversation on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.
- The rise of streaming and home viewing is influencing movie structure.
- Netflix is reportedly requesting more frequent action sequences to retain viewers.
- Filmmakers are being encouraged to reiterate plot points due to distracted audiences.
- Ben Affleck advocates for prioritizing quality despite changing viewing habits.
Damon revealed that the standard three-act structure, with a major set piece in the third act, is being challenged. “The standard way to make an action movie that we learned was, you usually have three set pieces,” Damon told Rogan. “One in the first act, one in the second, one in the third. You spend most of your money on that one in the third act. That’s your finale.”
shift in Action Sequence Timing – Streaming platforms are now requesting meaningful action sequences within the first five minutes of a film to promptly capture attention.
Plot Repetition – Filmmakers are being encouraged to reiterate plot points multiple times in dialog to accommodate viewers who may be distracted while watching.
Impact of Home Viewing – The experience of watching a film at home, with distractions like children and pets, fundamentally alters the level of attention a viewer can give, impacting storytelling and budget allocation.
Affleck acknowledged the changing landscape, framing it as a supply-and-demand issue. He believes that if audiences are inclined to use their phones, filmmakers should respond by simply “make (expletive) the best you can. make it really good.” He urged the industry not to view streaming as an “existential threat,” but rather as an possibility to adapt and innovate.
The discussion resonated online, with many social media users expressing frustration with what they perceive as formulaic writing, particularly on Netflix.One user wrote on X, “Had roommates that had never seen ‘Die Hard’ so I decided to watch it with them. the entire movie they’re doing chores and on their phones,” a sentiment echoed by others who reported similar experiences.
The conversation unfolded during a broader discussion on the “joe Rogan Experience” podcast on Friday, as Damon and Affleck promoted their new film, “The Rip.”
“The Rip,” a crime thriller set in Miami, stars Damon and Affleck as narcotics officers who stumble upon a cartel stash house containing far more than the initially suspected $150,000. The situation quickly escalates into a dangerous siege where trust is nonexistent. The film is rated R for violence and pervasive language and has a running time of 133 minutes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
