Los Angeles, California – Acclaimed cinematographer, Hoyte van Hoytema, has expressed his disagreement with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ assertion that movies can be equally appreciated on a streamer or phone as they are on the big screen. In a recent interview, van Hoytema made it clear that he believes big movies are meant for big screens and that the traditional theatrical experience cannot be replicated on a pocket-sized device.
Sarandos faced criticism online after revealing that his son watched classic films like “Lawrence of Arabia” on a phone, suggesting that even award-winning movies like “Oppenheimer” could be enjoyed away from the big screen. However, van Hoytema emphasized the importance of experiencing films in a cinema, where the filmmaker’s vision is expertly curated for the audience, unlike the more casual viewing experience offered by streaming platforms like Netflix.
For van Hoytema, the magic of watching a film in theaters lies in the immersive cinematic moments created by filmmakers and artists, a far more enriching experience than watching on a mobile device where resolution and color depth are compromised. Despite acknowledging that people have the freedom to watch movies however they choose, van Hoytema believes that viewing films on a small screen disrespects the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a cinematic masterpiece for the big screen.
The debate surrounding the impact of streaming services on the film industry continues to grow, with filmmakers like van Hoytema advocating for the preservation of the theatrical experience. As technology advances and viewing habits evolve, the question of whether the magic of cinema can truly be captured on a small screen remains a topic of discussion among industry professionals and audiences alike.