The arrival of the Internet revolutionized the world in many ways and also brought about the emergence of new professions and ways of consuming entertainment that were previously unknown. Thanks to platforms like YouTube or Twitch, audiences are now able to connect with new idols, many of whom have become true celebrities. Something similar happened in the early 20th century when actors began to be relevant figures, as for many decades, film was the main form of entertainment worldwide. However, video games came later, followed by streamers and YouTubers, becoming popular to the point of achieving unthinkable numbers and occupying an increasingly relevant place in the entertainment landscape. Now, in a tumultuous time for film, director Harmony Korine has made his opinion clear.
The Hollywood Crisis
Harmony Korine is an American director and screenwriter known for films like Spring Breakers, although he is usually associated with independent cinema. Now, he is in Venice to present (out of competition) his latest project, Baby Invasion, which focuses on video games.
In this way, the creator has openly spoken about the two industries that converge in his project, cinema and video games, giving a current vision of the entertainment world without holding back. As reported by the Indiewire news, Korine believes that Hollywood is going through a decline where other forms of entertainment have surpassed cinema, an assertion that has not seemed inaccurate since the pandemic hit. He has mentioned a creative crisis (just look at Disney’s live-action films or the nostalgia craze to realize it) and the emergence of Internet stars as the causes.
In the director’s own words, “what’s happening in Hollywood is that they are losing many of the most talented and creative minds to video games and streamers.” He mentioned figures like Kai Cenat or IShowSpeed, two of the world’s most famous streamers, as examples, even daring to compare the latter to “the new Tarkovski.” “They are going elsewhere because cinema is no longer the predominant art form,” he added.
It’s not the first time the filmmaker has reflected on the situation of both industries. On previous occasions, he has spoken out on social media and has even admitted that he wouldn’t mind collaborating with personalities like IShowSpeed. Certainly, in a moment where Internet stars are transitioning to more conventional platforms, it wouldn’t be surprising to see both worlds converge more than they have before and witness the most visible faces of the internet in big film productions.
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