Ben Affleck Claims Netflix's Movie Making is a "Mission: Impossible"
"I love the smell of nostalgia in the morning," said Ben Affleck as he candidly spoke up about Netflix's movie making process, comparing it to a "Mission: Impossible" mission. In a recent interview, the renowned actor and filmmaker expressed his concerns about the streaming giant's approach to producing films, drawing on his own experiences in Hollywood.
Affleck's Mission: Impossible Comparison
Affleck, known for his roles in blockbusters like "Armageddon" and "Gone Girl," didn't hold back when it came to expressing his thoughts on Netflix's movie making process. Although he acknowledged the streaming platform's success in the industry, he couldn't help but draw a parallel to the iconic 80s film franchise, "Mission: Impossible."
"You know, making movies for Netflix sometimes feels like being part of an impossible mission. I keep waiting for Tom Cruise to pop up and tell me my mission, should I choose to accept it," Affleck chuckled. He then added, "But unlike Ethan Hunt, there's no self-destructing message. Instead, we get an email chain with 50 people, each suggesting different things."
The Netflix Effect
Netflix has undeniably revolutionized the way people consume entertainment, with its vast library of movies and TV shows available for streaming. However, its growing prominence in the film industry hasn't been without criticism. Affleck's comments shed some light on the challenges faced by A-list actors and directors when working on projects with the streaming giant.
"You've got a thousand cooks in the kitchen, and they all want to put their stamp on the movie. It's like trying to get through an obstacle course blindfolded while everyone is shouting conflicting directions at you," Affleck lamented. "It's a collaborative effort, but sometimes it feels like too many cooks spoil the broth, or in this case, the movie."
The Charm of 80s Hollywood
As a prominent figure in Hollywood, Affleck is no stranger to the golden era of the 80s, when movies were made with heart and soul, without the interference of streaming platforms and endless input from various sources. Affleck's nostalgia for the 80s was evident in his comments, as he recalled a simpler time when filmmakers had more creative control.
"Back in the 80s, making movies was more about passion and vision. You had directors like Spielberg, Lucas, and Cameron, who were true visionaries. It wasn't about pleasing a boardroom of executives or taking notes from 20 different people. It was about telling a great story and entertaining the audience," Affleck reminisced.
The Future of Filmmaking
Although Netflix's movie making process may not align with Affleck's vision of how movies should be made, it's clear that streaming platforms like Netflix have become a force to be reckoned with in the film industry. With the accessibility they offer and the potential for worldwide exposure, the landscape of filmmaking has undoubtedly changed.
Affleck acknowledged this shift, stating, "I understand the appeal of reaching a global audience at once, and Netflix has certainly mastered that. But I hope the industry finds a balance where artistry and creative freedom aren't compromised."
While Affleck's comparison to "Mission: Impossible" may have been lighthearted, it raises pertinent questions about the ever-evolving landscape of movie making. As Hollywood adapts to new platforms and technology, it will be interesting to see if the future holds a return to the charm and simplicity of 80s cinema or if a new era of filmmaking will emerge.
As Affleck concluded, "These days, it sometimes feels like we're living in a 'Stranger Things' kind of world, where anything can happen. And who knows? Maybe that's not such a bad thing after all."