Acclaimed cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema has publicly disagreed with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos' recent comments on how movies are experienced on different screens. Sarandos had suggested that films could be fully appreciated on a streaming service or even a phone, sparking a debate about the ideal way to watch movies.
Sarandos faced online criticism after revealing that his son watched the 1962 classic "Lawrence of Arabia" on his phone. He also mentioned "Oppenheimer," a film for which Hoyte won an Oscar, asserting that it could be equally enjoyed on a smaller screen as it would be in theaters.
Hoyte van Hoytema, speaking exclusively to TMZ, expressed his belief that a pocket-sized screen cannot compare to the traditional theatrical experience. He emphasized the unique magic of watching a film in a cinema, an experience carefully curated by filmmakers and artists. In contrast, he feels that viewing films on streaming platforms like Netflix subjects the audience to the whims of the service, which can compromise the intended viewing experience .
Hoytema highlighted the dedication and effort he puts into creating cinematic moments meant to be experienced on the big screen. He noted that watching his movies on a mobile device, which sacrifices resolution and color depth, disrespects the hard work involved in their production. However, he acknowledged that he, too, has watched movies on mobile devices and ultimately, it is up to the viewer to decide how they watch films .
Sarandos, in an interview with the New York Times, had claimed that both "Oppenheimer" and its same-day-rival release "Barbie" would have been just as successful if they were released on Netflix. This assertion adds to the ongoing debate about the future of film distribution and the role of streaming services versus traditional theaters.
The discussion underscores the evolving landscape of how audiences consume films and the differing opinions on what constitutes the ideal viewing experience.
