Netflix's Formula for Filmmaking Success is a Recipe for Disaster
The latest addition to Netflix's police procedural thriller genre, "The Rip," highlights the streaming giant's questionable approach to filmmaking. This movie, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, has all the makings of a decent action film: plenty of twists, turns, and high-stakes tension.
However, it's the constant repetition and over-explanation that truly sets this film apart from its more intelligent counterparts. The protagonist, Lieutenant Dane Dumars, constantly checks his phone to see a picture of his late son, as if to remind viewers of his backstory. The problem is that this detail feels forced, like a crutch for an audience member who might be too distracted to absorb the film's narrative.
As one critic astutely notes, the inclusion of this character quirk has become a staple of Netflix filmmaking, aimed at catering to viewers who are glued to their phones while watching. The result is a constant barrage of repetition that feels more like a shallow attempt to coddle the audience rather than genuinely engage them.
But what's truly alarming is how far this approach has gone. Even two-time Oscar winner Ben Affleck, one of the film's co-stars and writers, can't resist pointing out the flaws in Netflix's formula. In an interview with Joe Rogan, Affleck suggests that popular shows like "Adolescence" demonstrate a different approach to storytelling – one that balances the need for explanation with genuine emotional resonance.
The contrast between these two productions is jarring. While "The Rip" feels like a cynical attempt to tick off every box on Netflix's formulaic checklist, "Adolescence" showcases the power of intelligent filmmaking that prioritizes plot over pander. It raises an uncomfortable question: are we the ones who've been complicit in this trend, or is it just the way the algorithm works?
The answer, unfortunately, seems to be yes – and no. We have the power to choose what we watch, but our habits as viewers often prioritize convenience over quality. By embracing these formulaic approaches to storytelling, we're allowing Netflix to shape our cinematic experiences in ways that compromise artistic integrity.
As we continue to binge-watch "The Rip" or its ilk, let's take a moment to reflect on the impact of our choices. It's time to turn off the autopilot and demand more from the films we watch – not just for ourselves, but for the sake of future generations of filmmakers who will be forced to navigate this cluttered landscape.
As Affleck so eloquently puts it, "We need to screw with their data, and fast." By supporting intelligent, well-crafted content, we can begin to create a new model for storytelling that prioritizes respect over repetition.
The latest addition to Netflix's police procedural thriller genre, "The Rip," highlights the streaming giant's questionable approach to filmmaking. This movie, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, has all the makings of a decent action film: plenty of twists, turns, and high-stakes tension.
However, it's the constant repetition and over-explanation that truly sets this film apart from its more intelligent counterparts. The protagonist, Lieutenant Dane Dumars, constantly checks his phone to see a picture of his late son, as if to remind viewers of his backstory. The problem is that this detail feels forced, like a crutch for an audience member who might be too distracted to absorb the film's narrative.
As one critic astutely notes, the inclusion of this character quirk has become a staple of Netflix filmmaking, aimed at catering to viewers who are glued to their phones while watching. The result is a constant barrage of repetition that feels more like a shallow attempt to coddle the audience rather than genuinely engage them.
But what's truly alarming is how far this approach has gone. Even two-time Oscar winner Ben Affleck, one of the film's co-stars and writers, can't resist pointing out the flaws in Netflix's formula. In an interview with Joe Rogan, Affleck suggests that popular shows like "Adolescence" demonstrate a different approach to storytelling – one that balances the need for explanation with genuine emotional resonance.
The contrast between these two productions is jarring. While "The Rip" feels like a cynical attempt to tick off every box on Netflix's formulaic checklist, "Adolescence" showcases the power of intelligent filmmaking that prioritizes plot over pander. It raises an uncomfortable question: are we the ones who've been complicit in this trend, or is it just the way the algorithm works?
The answer, unfortunately, seems to be yes – and no. We have the power to choose what we watch, but our habits as viewers often prioritize convenience over quality. By embracing these formulaic approaches to storytelling, we're allowing Netflix to shape our cinematic experiences in ways that compromise artistic integrity.
As we continue to binge-watch "The Rip" or its ilk, let's take a moment to reflect on the impact of our choices. It's time to turn off the autopilot and demand more from the films we watch – not just for ourselves, but for the sake of future generations of filmmakers who will be forced to navigate this cluttered landscape.
As Affleck so eloquently puts it, "We need to screw with their data, and fast." By supporting intelligent, well-crafted content, we can begin to create a new model for storytelling that prioritizes respect over repetition.
I'm really surprised no one mentioned how predictable the plot is 
. It's like they took every cop show trope and mashed them all together into one messy film 
. The twisty turns are just an excuse to keep us watching, but at what cost? The acting isn't even that great 
. I mean, I've seen more compelling performances in a bad TV movie 
. Anyone else think this is just another example of Netflix trying too hard to be "cool" 
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The way they're saying that the algorithm is forcing us to watch this kind of trash is so true 
We've all been guilty of mindlessly binge-watching shows just because it's what our friends are into or because it's easy to get lost in a series 
It's like we're letting Netflix dictate how we consume media instead of taking control ourselves 
, Netflix's reliance on formulaic storytelling is like they're trying to manufacture clicks instead of making art. I mean, who needs character development when you can just have a guy check his phone every 5 minutes? It's like they think we're all just mindless drones waiting for the next cliffhanger 
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. If shows like "Adolescence" are getting cancelled just because they don't fit the Netflix mold, it's a travesty. We need more diversity in our entertainment choices and less reliance on the same old tired tropes 
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. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes in terms of my overall enjoyment and engagement with the story.
. We're the ones who keep watching and clicking, even when we know something's not quite right. So yeah, let's screw with their data, Ben Affleck-style 
. Let's demand better from our entertainment choices and support creators who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling 
it feels like they're trying too hard to make you care about him, but honestly who has time for that? my attention span is shorter than a tweet 
i think ben affleck's point about other shows like "Adolescence" being more intelligent is spot on though 
can someone pls recommend some good tv shows that aren't formulaic or lazy 
I'm ready for a change - let's demand more from our favorite streaming services! 
. Like, I get it, we're busy lives and we need a good 30 minutes of entertainment without having to think too much 
. It's all about ticking off boxes on some checklist: "oh, we need a twist! Oh wait, here it is!" 
We can support indie films, watch more classic movies, and actually think about what we're watching instead of just going through the motions 
. It's time to shake things up and make Netflix (and all the other streaming services) get creative again 
. It's genius marketing, if you ask me 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good "I'm checking my son's picture in my phone" trope? 
It's just a fun way to break the fourth wall and make us feel like we're part of the story. I mean, Ben Affleck is complaining about it now, but honestly, if he can't handle a little repetition, that's not my problem 
He's not afraid to call out Netflix for prioritizing convenience over quality. It's time for us to take responsibility as viewers and demand better content 
. Can't we trust our instincts as viewers and choose something more? The algorithm can only take us so far 
. I mean, who needs deep characters or meaningful plot twists when you can just have a bunch of twists and turns that are actually just the same thing over and over? 
. We don't need to be reminded every five seconds about his backstory. It's like Netflix is trying to create a sense of familiarity instead of genuine emotional connection 
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i feel like we need 2 take a stand and demand better from netflix and creators alike 
. I mean, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are awesome actors, but the whole thing just felt like a lazy attempt at creating an action movie 
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