David Fincher Declares Netflix the Superior Choice for Filmmakers, Criticizes Major Studios
• David Fincher gave an interview to Le Monde lauding his experience with Netflix, claiming it offers better creative freedom and support than major Hollywood studios.
• Fincher praised the streaming giant’s commitment to high-quality special effects and its industry-friendly policies towards filmmakers.
• His projects with Netflix, such as Mindhunter and Mank, show he has been granted ample resources and creative autonomy.
• While he acknowledges that certain content can be lost in the sea of ‘content’ on streaming platforms, Fincher believes that saving cinema requires a reinvention of theaters—calling them “damp, smelly, and greasy”—to compete with home viewing.
• His comments sparked a debate around the pros and cons of Netflix and traditional studios, pushing the film industry to adapt to the changing distribution landscape.
Renowned director David Fincher is not holding back his opinions. In a recent interview with Le Monde, he praised his experience working with Netflix, claiming he found more creative freedom and support from the streaming giant than major Hollywood studios like Warner Bros. and Paramount.
Fincher highlighted Netflix’s willingness to invest in high-quality special effects and its
commitment to the filmmaker’s vision. He credited Netflix with adopting industry standards that make sense to filmmakers without nitpicking over expenses.
Examining Fincher’s projects backed by Netflix, such as the acclaimed series Mindhunter and the biopic Mank, it’s clear that he has been granted the necessary resources and creative control to bring his visions to life. This level of support may not have been possible elsewhere.
However, it’s worth noting that Netflix’s track record with content quality can be inconsistent, with numerous shows and movies being canceled or overlooked. Despite this, Fincher remains confident in the future dominance of streaming platforms, signaling his readiness to leave traditional theaters behind.
While acknowledging the potential downside of movies getting lost in the sea of “content” on streaming platforms, Fincher believes that saving cinema as a culture requires a reinvention of the theater experience. He criticizes the current state of theaters as “damp, smelly, and greasy,” suggesting that significant improvements are necessary to compete with the convenience and comfort of home viewing.
With his bold statements, Fincher sparks a debate about the advantages and limitations of Netflix and traditional studios, urging the industry to adapt to the changing film distribution landscape.