In a candid discussion on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Matt Damon shared insights into Netflix’s influence on movie productions, revealing that the streaming giant frequently requires movies to emphasize exposition and action sequences, often tailored to a distracted audience.
According to Damon, Netflix movies often feature plot details reiterated multiple times within dialogue, with the goal of keeping viewers engaged even if they’re multitasking or distracted. “We have to repeat the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones,” Damon stated. This shift reflects the changing nature of content consumption, with audiences increasingly opting for background entertainment.
Action-Heavy Openings and the Streamer’s Strategy
Netflix, known for its extensive library of original content, has long sought to create binge-worthy films and shows. The company’s strategy includes an emphasis on action-packed openings. Damon confirmed that it is now standard for Netflix films to kick off with a high-energy sequence to capture the viewer’s attention. “Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay tuned in,” he recalled Netflix executives saying. This push for immediate thrills aligns with a broader trend in filmmaking, where opening scenes are increasingly crucial in holding viewers’ interest.
Ben Affleck, who joined Damon on the podcast, pointed to exceptions like the show “Adolescence,” which he believes demonstrates that captivating an audience does not always require following Netflix’s established formula.
However, the broader impact on storytelling is undeniable. Several screenwriters have spoken about the challenge of adjusting to Netflix’s demands, which include explicitly laying out exposition to help casual viewers follow along. These notes are often aimed at keeping the plot clear for those who may not be fully engaged with the content.
For instance, in Netflix’s popular romantic comedy “Irish Wish,” Lindsay Lohan’s character delivers a line that reflects the streamer’s preference for exposition: “We spent a day together, but that doesn’t give you the right to question my life choices. Tomorrow I’m marrying Paul Kennedy.” These types of direct narrative declarations are now commonplace in many Netflix projects, ensuring that even those who glance at their screens intermittently can follow the story.
Additionally, Netflix has reportedly developed a vast system of micro-genres, including a category labeled “casual viewing.” This label is designated for films and shows that are designed to be watched passively, further illustrating how the platform tailors content for an audience that may not always give it their undivided attention.
While the demands of Netflix’s content creation process might seem at odds with traditional storytelling principles, such as the “show, don’t tell” rule, the strategy is clear: with an audience constantly shifting between devices, movies must adapt to maintain engagement. It’s a remarkable shift for a platform that once championed bold, auteur-driven films like “Roma” and “The Irishman,” showing the evolving nature of content consumption in the digital age.
