Matt Damon expressed his desire for Netflix to clarify the plot multiple times in films, considering that viewers often multitask on their phones.
During an appearance on the latest episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, which promoted the new Netflix film The Rip with Ben Affleck, Damon remarked that audiences exhibit “completely different levels of attention” when watching movies at home compared to theaters.
He mentioned that this shift is influencing film production as well, indicating that Netflix aims to prioritize action sequences throughout the movie’s runtime.
“Traditionally, action movies are structured with three main set pieces—one in each act—that build up progressively,” he elaborated.
“We typically allocate most of our budget to the third act’s climax,” the Good Will Hunting star noted.
Damon then added, “Now, they’re asking if we can have a big action moment within the first five minutes. They want to capture attention quickly. It’s okay to reiterate the plot a few times in conversations since viewers may be distracted by their phones.”
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He remarked that this trend “really starts to impact how the story is conveyed” in films. I Left actor noted.
Affleck chimed in, mentioning that Netflix’s recent limited series could be evidence that this approach isn’t necessary. The show Puberty, for instance, didn’t adhere to that format but was still “incredible.”
“When you look at it, Puberty didn’t require any major gimmicks to be effective,” stated the Gone Girl star.
He went on, “It’s dark, tragic, and intense. There’s a powerful moment when a father learns his child is accused of murder, captured in a shot from behind, and they drive in silence.”
Damon acknowledged that series like Puberty are the exception, but Affleck argued that it demonstrates that Netflix’s strategies aren’t always needed to engage viewers.
