“Show, don’t tell.” That’s been a timeless rule of thumb for writing—screenplays and anything else. But now, according to Matt Damon, Netflix is asking for the plot in movies to be restated numerously to make sure distracted audiences are still following.
Filmmakers in the past have assumed that if someone was watching their movie, they were paying attention. That has never been less true, and I don’t think that will ever become more true. We watch movies on the big screen while scrolling on the small one in our hands. Even though we can “multitask”, we’re unable to focus on both. So now, Netflix is trying to reach these half-engaged audiences by spelling things out clearly and blatantly.
Two things come to mind.
First, YouTube. YouTubers have never had the luxury of people’s automatic attention. So they learned how to write, edit, and produce videos that keep the viewer interested and watching. One reason for this is that YouTubers have clear metrics that tell them whether people are paying attention, and they have tangible consequences that depend on it. As a result, they have become masters of balancing story and engagement. Filmmakers—if they haven’t already—will have to begin to learn these skills and adapt their art in a way that engages their viewers—without spelling things out for them like they’re five years old.
Second, if this trend continues, we will see a flood of movies that lack depth and emotional weight because executives are making sure there’s a recap ever ten minutes. This will result in generally “bad” movies. This will also allow space for masterpieces of true art and emotion; films that are catered for the few that purposefully watch films and perhaps even enjoy them in a theater. Lights always shine brighter in the dark, and if traditional Hollywood is going to dampen their work by restating the plot, then internet filmmakers and indie moviemakers will have all the more chance to shine!
I’d love to hear what my fellow screenwriters, filmmakers, and movie enthusiasts think about this.