Key Takeaways:
– Richard Linklater opted for a Netflix release for Glen Powell’s hit movie ‘Hit Man’ rather than a theatrical one.
– Linklater attributes the decision to his belief that large studios are less focused on quality content.
– He asserts that the filmmaking agenda of major studios has changed and is not aligned with his vision of showcasing meaningful, adult-oriented movies.
Noted filmmaker Richard Linklater has made headlines with his new release, ‘Hit Man,’ featuring actor Glen Powell. The film has been greatly appreciated by critics and audience alike, boasting a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite such paramount success, the question on many lips is why the movie was directly launched on Netflix and not in the theatres? Linklater has recently shared some intriguing insights on this.
From Cinemas to Streaming: The ‘Hit Man’ Story
‘Hit Man,’ lauded for its extraordinary cast, remarkable storyline, and remarkable cinematography, was a power-packed package that could have ideally seen a theatre release. Most filmmakers prefer to initially launch their successful projects in cinemas, before bringing them to streaming platforms.
However, in a recent interview with IndieWire, Linklater upturned the conventional approach and shared his unique reasons for the Netflix release. As per him, the decision wasn’t about the movie’s potential to rake in mega millions, rather it was more of a creative issue that dealt with the ethical values of movie making.
Up Against Big Studios: A Creative Conundrum
Unlike most, Linklater’s gripe isn’t with the bustling indie film world, which he sees as a platform committed to showcasing films and finding them the right kind of audience. Instead, he holds big studios like Universal and Warner Brothers accountable, implicating that they tend to cater to any audience than strive for creative substance. The acclaimed director preferred to associate with a platform like Netflix, which he believes values quality content.
What’s Changed in Hollywood? Linklater’s Perspective
Linklater’s thoughts on the shifting dynamics of Hollywood and its major studios are undoubtedly profound. While some believe audiences and their preferences have transformed over time, Linklater maintains that it’s the studios that have abandoned certain types of filmmaking.
In his opinion, the disparity between the kinds of movies that big studios used to release years ago and the ones they prefer now is quite stark. Speaking from his experience, Linklater pointed out that the studios are no longer inclined towards taking risks associated with releasing adult-oriented movies like ‘Hit Man’ into theatres.
The Future of Filmmaking: ‘Hit Man’ and Beyond
Currently streaming on Netflix, Hit Man is a testament to Linklater’s conviction towards quality filmmaking. Despite challenges and the pressure of meeting studio expectations, the director stands firm in his commitment to delivering substantial content.
His words serve as a wake-up call to studios to value innovation, creative risks, and to once again, be passionate about the art of filmmaking. As audiences around the world appreciate ‘Hit Man,’ it’s clear that there’s a demand for the type of films Linklater wants to make. Now, the ball is in the court of the studios.
In a world of ever-changing entertainment dynamics, only time will tell how Hollywood and its major studios respond to this call for a renewed focus on quality content. Till then, we can continue to enjoy gems like ‘Hit Man’ and hope for more such outstanding projects.
