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The evolving landscape of movie releases: A deep dive into the streaming vs. theatrical debate
Viggo Mortensen’s candid critique of Amazon’s decision
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Viggo Mortensen, renowned for his roles in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “Green Book,” voiced his discontent with Amazon’s decision to limit the theatrical release of Ron Howard’s 2022 film “Thirteen Lives.” The movie, which stars Mortensen alongside Colin Farrell and Joel Edgerton, recounts the harrowing Thai cave rescue and was initially slated for a widespread theatrical release by MGM. However, following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, the film was relegated to a brief stint in select theaters before transitioning to a global streaming launch on Prime Video.
The promise and the letdown
Mortensen revealed that “Thirteen Lives” received the highest test screening scores in MGM’s history, setting the stage for a grand theatrical release. “They were going to put it out worldwide in many, many, many thousands of theaters,” Mortensen said. However, Amazon’s subsequent decision to prioritize streaming over a full-blown theatrical release left the actor disheartened. “Basically, you saw that movie for a week in Chicago, New York, and LA, London, and that was that. Then you had the streaming, which I thought was really sad. It’s a really well-shot movie.”
For those interested in viewing the trailer and learning more about “Thirteen Lives,” you can visit this link.
The economics of streaming vs. theatrical releases
Mortensen didn’t mince words when discussing Amazon’s motivations, attributing the decision to “greed.” He argued that Amazon could have honored MGM’s original plan, allowing the film to have its theatrical run before moving to streaming. “But they figured it would be more cost-effective — i.e., they would make more money — if they didn’t have to bother with spending money on promoting it and putting it in theaters and sharing that money with theaters, frankly. That’s what it comes down to. To me, it’s greed.”
The impact on filmmakers and the industry
Mortensen also expressed his disappointment on behalf of Ron Howard, a filmmaker with a storied career and numerous accolades. “For a guy with such a storied career like Ron Howard, who has made so much money for studios, who was so deservedly well-recognized as a filmmaker historically — to do that to a guy like him I think is appalling,” Mortensen said. He emphasized that while Howard himself has remained silent on the issue, he felt compelled to speak out.
The state of film criticism today
In addition to his critique of Amazon, Mortensen also commented on the current state of film criticism. He lamented the decline in the quality of reviews, noting that many critics lack a deep understanding of film history and the filmmaking process. “In terms of the reviewer having some understanding of film history, how movies are made — the level is really low,” he said. As a director and producer, Mortensen emphasized the importance of critical reception in determining a film’s distribution and success.
Reflecting on the future of cinema
Mortensen’s comments highlight a broader debate within the film industry: the balance between theatrical releases and streaming platforms. While streaming offers convenience and accessibility, many filmmakers and actors argue that the theatrical experience is irreplaceable. The decision to prioritize one over the other can significantly impact a film’s reception, box office performance, and cultural footprint.
As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how studios and streaming giants will navigate this complex landscape. Will they find a way to honor the traditional theatrical experience while embracing the benefits of streaming? Or will the allure of immediate profits continue to drive decisions at the expense of filmmakers and audiences?
For now, Mortensen’s candid reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges and opportunities facing the film industry in the digital age.
