(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Netflix demonstrated its creative mettle once again in Venice yesterday with two powerful movies from elite filmmakers, cementing its credentials at a time when the industry is torn over streaming.
British star Benedict Cumberbatch said he was“thrilled” to have the streaming giant backing his new film, The Power of the Dog, by legendary New Zealand director Jane Campion.
“We live in a very uncertain time,” he told AFP ahead of its Venice premiere.“We're a variant-hair's breadth away from all this – being in a cinema – not being possible again.
“I'm kind of thrilled that we have somebody who's going to get the work seen.”
The Power of the Dog, a tale of sibling rivalry on a Montana ranch, is the sort of emotionally-complex film that Netflix has looked to support while traditional studios pour their money into superheroes and car chases.
Its red carpet premiere in Venice was followed by another Netflix-backed movie that looked destined for critical success.
The Hand of God by Italian Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino, a heart-breaking tale of his youth in Naples, was immediately tipped as a favourite for the festival's top award, the Golden Lion.
“The message of the movie is that there is a future for everyone, regardless of the suffering and the pain you have experienced in life,” Sorrentino told reporters.
The future certainly looks bright for Netflix, which has found great success launching films at Venice in recent years.
Roma and Marriage Story both picked up a lot of buzz at the festival before scoring awards in Hollywood.
Venice benefits from the fact that its main rival, Cannes, is not allowed to show Netflix movies due to strict French rules about entries getting a full theatrical release.
Hollywood is also deeply torn over whether to keep releasing films on streaming services as cinemas re-emerge from the pandemic.
Cumberbatch's Marvel co-star Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney over its decision to release superhero movie Black Widow on its streaming service this summer, saying it cost her millions of dollars in cinema revenue.
Another blockbuster, Dune, which premieres in Venice today, will also get a simultaneous release on HBO Max.
Having spent $165mn on awe-inspiring visual effects, Dune director Denis Villeneuve recently described that decision as“ridiculous”.
“The best way I can compare it is to drive a speedboat in your bathtub,” he told Total Film.
Cumberbatch agreed that streamers need to keep the cinema experience alive, and said he is confident that Netflix was striking the right balance.
“Culturally, it's really important for streaming services to help nourish that, he said.“As long as it really is happening ... as long as it's not just good talk, then great.”
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