A new generation of directors is emerging as champions of cinema, working tirelessly to ensure its survival in the face of rising streaming services and declining box office revenue.
The theatrical experience has been under threat for years, with concerns surrounding the rise of streaming services and declining box office revenue. However, a new crop of directors has emerged as champions of cinema, working tirelessly to ensure its survival.
Cinema has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
The first public screening took place in Paris in 1895, showcasing the work of Louis and Auguste Lumière.
Early cinema was silent, with films accompanied by live music or narration.
The introduction of sound in the late 1920s revolutionized the industry, allowing for dialogue and immersive storytelling.
Today, cinema is a global phenomenon, with diverse genres and technologies continuing to evolve.
The Rise of Brand-Name Directors
Throughout film history, there have been few directors whose brand names reach the heights of movie stars who log time in front of the camera. Directors like Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton, and Martin Scorsese are exceptions, but even they remain relatively hidden compared to their A-list counterparts. Recently, however, a new generation of directors has begun to make waves.
Christopher Nolan, for example, was out front in lobbying for theaters to reopen and show his planned 2020 summer blockbuster ‘Tenet‘ before Covid vaccines were in place. Although he faced criticism at the time, his efforts have now been celebrated for their big-canvas vision. Similarly, Ryan Coogler has become a mainstream but critic-friendly showman with an affinity for gigantic screens.
Christopher Nolan is a British-American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his complex, thought-provoking movies.
Born on July 30, 1970, in London, England, Nolan began making short films as a teenager.
His breakthrough film, Following (1998), led to Memento (2000), a critically acclaimed psychological thriller that showcased his unique storytelling style.
Nolan's subsequent films, including The Dark Knight (2008) and Inception (2010), solidified his reputation as a master of cinematic storytelling.
A New Era of Cinema
Coogler’s success can be seen in his blockbuster superhero film ‘Black Panther‘ , which outgrossed even ‘The Dark Knight’ and scored a best picture nomination. He has since parlayed this success into a big-budget original, ‘Sinners‘ , which returned to a handful of elite real-Imax screens for a second round of sold-out shows.
Ryan Coogler is a renowned American film director, producer, and screenwriter.
Born on May 23, 1986, in Oakland, California, he rose to prominence with his critically acclaimed films 'Fruitvale Station' (2013) and 'Creed' (2015).
Coogler's work often explores themes of social justice, racism, and the African American experience.
He co-wrote and directed 'Black Panther' (2018), a groundbreaking Marvel film that shattered box office records and became a cultural phenomenon.
The Power of Social Media
These directors are not alone in their efforts to save cinema. Newly minted Oscar winner Sean Baker used his spotlight to stump for the theatrical experience, making clear that he makes movies to be seen in theaters, not phones or laptops. Neon and A24, two indie companies, have also refused to shorten their theatrical release windows, opting instead to hit subscription streaming months after their theatrical debuts.
The Face of Cinema: Tom Cruise
One person who has essentially appointed himself brand ambassador for cinema is Tom Cruise. He has been promoting his latest film, ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ , and advocating for the importance of the cinematic experience. His involvement underscores how these champions of cinema sometimes seem to run in parallel to the music world’s digitally enabled fan armies.
A New Era of Fandom
The involvement of Cruise and other directors like Nolan and Coogler highlights a new era of fandom that is deeply invested in the movies themselves, rather than just the stars or franchise ubiquity. This phenomenon may be seen as more wholesome than previous forms of cinephile bias, but it also raises questions about the role of corporate lobbying in the film industry.
The Future of Cinema
As the film industry continues to evolve, it is clear that these unsung heroes behind the silver screen are crucial to its survival. By working together and promoting the importance of cinema, they may be able to wrestle back control from the brands that have threatened their existence for so long.
- theguardian.com | From Coogler to Cruise: the Hollywood heroes saving cinema
