From movie theatres to streaming at home: The future of cinema
Many of these films skip the theatrical release and head straight to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.
SOUNDER RAJEN27 Feb 2025 04:30pm
Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Canva
Legendary filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino have been vocal in their criticism, but does the general audience share this view?
While films in the 1990s and early 2000s were often intricate, plot-heavy epics with practical effects, today's movies are often CGI-laden, action-packed blockbusters with predictable plots.
Many of these films skip the theatrical release and head straight to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
This shift has given rise to what is now known as 'Streaming Culture,' contrasting with the 'Cinema Culture' of the past.
For many filmmakers, this shift is a cause for concern. Martin Scorsese, a director whose iconic works include Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and The Wolf of Wall Street, has been outspoken about his dislike for modern films, particularly the dominance of superhero franchises like those from Disney and Marvel.
Scorsese, now 83, said that films are no longer the "artistic" experience they once were, comparing contemporary cinema to amusement parks.
Quentin Tarantino, 62, also shares Scorsese’s concerns.
Though he admitted that his age might influence his views, Tarantino had voiced his frustration at the reduced theatrical release windows, remarking that a film now only stays in cinemas for a few weeks before it’s available for home viewing.
Despite these criticisms, there is a growing divide between filmmakers and audiences.
USCI student Jofiel Lim, 21, believes that the shift from cinema to home viewing places greater emphasis on stronger scripts, compelling performances, and big action sequences.
He pointed to films like the 1994 classic The Shawshank Redemption and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in 2009 as examples where these elements are key.
"I feel like today's films lack the charisma needed to deliver memorable performances," Lim said.
"When I was younger, I would go to the cinema to fully immerse myself in the experience.
The giant screen and sound system made it truly enjoyable."
Now, as a more discerning filmgoer, Lim is more selective about the movies he watches in the cinema.
In contrast, 57-year-old teacher Anusia Devi Suppiah believes that films today are better than ever.
She enjoys the convenience of streaming movies from home and appreciates the modern CGI effects.
However, Anusia noted that the last film she watched, Genie (2023), a fairy-tale comedy released on Peacock, was "predictable" and "not very interesting," especially compared to older films like Die Another Day (2002), which had a lasting impact when she saw it in theatres.
While opinions on the evolution of cinema are divided, one thing is clear: the industry is undergoing a major transformation.
Whether for better or worse, the debate over the future of cinema continues.
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