Netflix tells directors to repeat plot for people using phones while watching, says Matt Damon - NME

Matt Damon has raised concerns about the impact of streaming services like Netflix on the quality of film narratives. He stated that Netflix is encouraging filmmakers to simplify their storytelling by restating the plot "three or four times in the dialogue." This approach is intended to accommodate viewers who are often distracted by their phones while watching, which Damon describes as leading to a trend towards "dumbed down" cinema (Variety, Yahoo). Damon's comments reflect a broader issue within the film industry, where the need to engage audiences who multitask has resulted in changes to how stories are constructed. He referred to the current era as the "pub bore age of cinema," suggesting that the quality of films is suffering due to these adaptations (The Guardian, Gizmodo). The emphasis on repetitive dialogue is seen as a response to the reality that many viewers are not fully attentive, which could undermine the artistic integrity of filmmaking. The discussion surrounding this topic raises questions about the future of storytelling in cinema, particularly in relation to streaming platforms. Critics argue that the need for constant engagement may lead to a homogenization of content, where films are crafted more for distraction than for depth (No Film School, NME). As the industry evolves, the balance between viewer engagement and narrative complexity remains a significant challenge for filmmakers.