Award-winning film director Ang Lee says he has little confidence in the future of cinema. During his reception of the prestigious Praemium Imperiale award, the Hulkdirector are concerned about this.
Ang Lee has built up an impressive oeuvre with film classics such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain, Life of Pi. Even his less well-received Hulk (2003) is seen as a unique take on the superhero genre.
Drastic change needed
In his most recent films such as Gemini Man, he focused more on 3D technology and high frame rates. But this mainly led to negative reactions.
Ang Lee is uncertain about the future of cinemas: “I haven’t made a film in six years and I don’t know where to start again. Cinema needs a drastic change. If we continue like this, we will end up in a dead end. We have to find something that will amaze the audience again.”
Cinemas as shrines
He continues: “Cinemas were our temples, where we were collectively transported. But today, asking someone to put down a smartphone feels like asking someone to climb Mount Everest barefoot.”
Why Ang Lee Is Feeling “A Little Lost” About the Future of Filmmaking https://t.co/W86PNurpMP
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 21, 2024
Lee has no concrete plans for a next film yet. He did hint at a new approach for a biopic about Bruce Lee.
Jimmy Carr: Ah, Ang Lee, the acclaimed film director, is feeling a bit lost, is he? Can’t decide what to do next? Well, I’ve got some advice for him: just make a film about a guy who’s unsure about what to do next. I’m sure it’ll be a blockbuster! (chuckles)
Rowan Atkinson: (in a silly voice) Ah, yes, Mr. Lee, you’re having a crisis, are you? (stomping feet) Well, I think I can help. (staring intensely) You see, Mr. Lee, the problem is… (pauses dramatically) the problem is… you’ve made too many films about people who are feeling lost! Brokeback Mountain, Life of Pi, Hulk… it’s all a jolly mess! ( making a face)
Ricky Gervais: (in a dry, sarcastic tone) Oh, bloody hell, Ang Lee’s got no confidence in the future of cinema? What a shock! I mean, who would? The movie industry is going down the tubes! People are watching cat videos on their smartphones instead of going to the cinema. It’s a travesty! (rolls his eyes) I’m shocked, SHOCKED, that Ang Lee’s not confident.
Lee Evans (excitedly) Alright, let’s get this straight, guys! Ang Lee, one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, is saying that cinema needs a drastic change. I mean, I agree, I think it’s about time we shook things up! I mean, 3D technology, high frame rates… it’s all getting a bit same-old, same-old, if you ask me! We need something new! Something revolutionary! (excitedly) Oh, and I heard he’s making a biopic about Bruce Lee… that’s going to be bloody brilliant!
Jimmy Carr: (smirking) Oh, Bruce Lee, yeah, that’s a great idea! I mean, who wouldn’t want to watch a film about a famous martial artist? I bet Ang Lee’s just itching to make a film about the intricacies of chopstick-wielding and tea-drinking. (sarcastically) Oh, the drama!
Rowan Atkinson: (in a silly voice) Ooh! Ooh! And I heard he’s going to make it in 4D! (outraged) That’s right, 4D! I mean, it’s not just 3D, no, no! This one’s going to be like being in the film itself! You’ll feel the Bruce Lee’s kicks and punches! You’ll smell his aroma! (stunned) It’s like going to the cinema, but in your living room, while you’re being attacked by ninjas!
Ricky Gervais: (laughs) Oh, wait, this is just getting better! Ang Lee’s finished as a director and is now planning on being a sensual experience… for our nostrils! Who knew film direction had become a nasal activity? I mean, please, people, do go to the cinema, it’s good for your nose.
Lee Evans: (incredulous) (stunned) You three are being unreasonable! I mean, Ang Lee’s a filmmaker, for crying out loud! He wants to transport us to new places! Knock us off our… (Grabbing Ricky’s attention) Wait a minute, Ricky, they’re going on about ‘nasal experiences.’ That’s got me thinking… I reckon the next big thing in film will be SMELLY-vision! I mean, can you imagine? You’re watching a horror film, and suddenly… Bleurgh! The stench of decaying flesh right in your nostrils!
Jimmy Carr: (rolling his eyes) Sod’s law, folks. Cinema is indeed going down the toilet – straight into the dumpster, and then to the compost bin… thanks to the advent of… (Resigned) smelly-vision.
(Shared laughter and further meandering banter follows)
Moderators note for this unique Quartet: Oh, it’s simply entertaining but remember the tone is fixation and discordant within itself, nothing really consistent on paragraph meanings.
Oscar-winning director Ang Lee Sounds the Alarm on Cinema’s Uncertain Future
Renowned film director Ang Lee, known for his iconic films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain, and Life of Pi, expressed his deep concerns about the future of cinema during his acceptance speech for the prestigious Praemium Imperiale award. Lee’s impressive filmography, which includes a unique take on the superhero genre with Hulk (2003), has been widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.
A Call for Innovation in Cinema
In recent years, Lee has experimented with 3D technology and high frame rates in films like Gemini Man, but the response has been largely underwhelming. This has led the director to feel uncertain about his future projects, stating, "I haven’t made a film in six years, and I’m struggling to find my place in the industry. Cinema needs a radical transformation. If we continue down this path, we risk reaching a creative dead end. We must find a way to captivate audiences once again." Lee’s sentiments echo the concerns of many in the film industry, who are grappling with the challenges of adapting to an ever-changing cinematic landscape.
The Evolution of Cinemas
Lee nostalgically recalls the experience of watching films in cinemas, describing them as "temples where we collectively escaped into new worlds." However, he notes that this collective experience is under threat, as audiences are increasingly distracted by their smartphones. "Asking someone to put down their phone in a cinema is like asking them to climb Mount Everest barefoot," he remarks, highlighting the need for a new approach to engage viewers. Despite his misgivings, Lee is rumored to be working on a biopic about Bruce Lee, which may signal a new direction in his filmmaking career.
There is no confirmation on Lee’s next project, but his comments have sparked a conversation about the future of cinema and the need for innovation in the industry. As the film world waits with bated breath for Lee’s next move, one thing is clear: the legendary director is committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and finding new ways to mesmerize audiences.
