Acclaimed director Todd Phillips, known for his work on Joker: Folie à Deux, has proposed a bold strategy to enhance the cinematic experience: eliminating commercials that precede the screening of films in theaters.
In an insightful interview with Empire magazine, as part of a comprehensive poll exploring the future of film and entertainment—which spans topics from artificial intelligence to the competition between streaming services and traditional theaters—Phillips offered a perspective that diverges from many of his peers.
“Stop showing commercials before the movies,” he asserted emphatically. “We’ve paid for our tickets. We’re excited to be there. The commercials tend to take the air out of the room.” His remarks seemingly target the often lengthy advertisements that play prior to the trailers for upcoming features, which can deflate the audience’s anticipation for the film.
In the same interview, Anora director Sean Baker expressed concern about filmmakers’ increasing shift toward streaming platforms and the television industry, highlighting a broader trend favoring digital cinematography over traditional analog techniques. Conversely, Freaks and Geeks creator Paul Feig celebrated the contributions of streaming services, noting how they “really stepped up” to adapt in this evolving landscape of cinema.
Despite his prominent vision for the future of cinema, Phillips’ recent project faced significant challenges, emerging as a box office disappointment with a staggering production budget of approximately $200 million from Warner Bros. Critically, the film struggled to resonate with audiences, now projected to incur losses equivalent to its hefty production costs. Notably, fellow filmmaker Paul Schrader candidly criticized the film, stating he found it so unenjoyable that he opted to shop during its screening, labeling it a “really bad musical.” In contrast, renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino offered a different take, commending the film as a daring “f— you” to both Hollywood’s norms and the audience’s expectations.
His contemporaries. In light of his recent comments, I’m joined by film critic Sarah Morgan to discuss Phillips’ stance on this issue.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Sarah. Todd Phillips recently suggested that theaters should stop airing commercials before movies. What do you think about his proposal?
**Sarah Morgan**: Thank you for having me! I think Todd Phillips has tapped into a common frustration among moviegoers. Commercials can disrupt the immersion and anticipation of seeing a film. When you’re ready to dive into a story, being bombarded by ads can really hinder that experience.
**Interviewer**: Absolutely. He mentioned that commercials “tend to take the air out of the room.” How significant do you think this is for the cinematic atmosphere?
**Sarah Morgan**: It’s quite significant! The cinema is a unique space where audiences come together to share an experience. Commercials break that shared moment and can even lead to an awkward atmosphere. Phillips is advocating for a return to a more respectful environment that honors the film itself.
**Interviewer**: With the rise of streaming services where commercials are less common, do you think theaters should adopt similar strategies to remain competitive?
**Sarah Morgan**: Definitely. Theaters have to find ways to create a compelling and unique experience that streaming can’t replicate. Eliminating commercials could be a step in the right direction, allowing audiences to focus solely on the film. This could not only improve viewer satisfaction but also encourage people to choose theaters over streaming at home.
**Interviewer**: Great insights, Sarah. How can theaters implement this change effectively, in your opinion?
**Sarah Morgan**: They could consider extending the time dedicated to trailers, which many people enjoy, while completely eliminating ads. They could also create an engaging atmosphere before the film starts, perhaps with live events or special presentations that enhance the movie-going experience rather than detract from it.
**Interviewer**: Those are excellent suggestions! Lastly, do you think other filmmakers will rally behind Phillips’ view, or is this a divisive topic?
**Sarah Morgan**: I think it may garner support, especially from directors who prioritize the audience’s cinematic experience. However, there will always be a divide, particularly with the financial incentives that come from advertising. It’ll be interesting to see how this discussion evolves within the industry.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your thoughts on this pressing issue. It will be fascinating to watch how theaters adapt amidst these changing preferences.
**Sarah Morgan**: Thank you for having me!