Could Streaming Change the ‘Classic Film’ Canon?

TL;DR

Streaming platforms like Netflix and MUBI are shaping the future of film consumption and potentially changing the canons of cinematic excellence.

Transcript

• Hello. I wonder how you're watching this lecture. On a laptop or perhaps on a smaller or a larger screen? Maybe even casting it to a television, like the one facing me? What's certain however, is that you're watching it on a screen and streamed. Probably in a very similar situation to where I'm recording it. We may think this is something new tha... Read More

Key Insights

• 👪 The desire for audiovisual communication predates cinema, with predictions of devices like the telephonoscope and home theater networks.
• 🚨 Television emerged as a significant alternative to cinema and eventually surpassed it in popularity.
• 👅 Streaming platforms like Netflix and MUBI analyze audience tastes and offer personalized recommendations, potentially shaping future canons of film.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did cinema become a popular form of entertainment in the early 20th century?

Cinema theaters were modeled after existing theatrical venues, attracting large audiences. While some viewed it as a poor substitute for live performances, many found it highly attractive and it became a majority entertainment during that time.

Q: How did television impact cinema?

Television was seen as both a challenge and an exciting new era. Many industry professionals, such as Alfred Hitchcock, embraced television and saw it as an opportunity to reach a broader audience. Television networks eventually surpassed cinema in popularity.

Q: How do streaming platforms like Netflix and MUBI influence film consumption?

Netflix uses data analysis to determine audience tastes and deliver personalized recommendations. MUBI focuses on curated selections, offering classic and art house cinema for a more discerning audience. Both platforms have the potential to influence future canons of film.

Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted cinema attendance?

Cinemas have been closed for a significant duration, leading to a surge in streaming as the primary mode of film consumption. The long-term impact on cinema attendance remains uncertain, but the majority of film consumption currently happens at home through streaming platforms.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Before cinema emerged, there were predictions of audiovisual communication, such as the telephonoscope and home theater networks.

• Cinema became a dominant form of entertainment in the early 20th century, but home entertainment remained popular and eventually led to the rise of television as an alternative.

• Streaming platforms like Netflix and MUBI analyze audience tastes to deliver personalized recommendations, potentially influencing future canons of film.