Matt Damon recently joined The Joe Rogan Experience podcast to talk about his latest film, 'The Rip.' During their conversation, the Hollywood star opened up about a major shift happening in the movie industry. He explained how streaming services are quietly changing the way films get made today.
The New Rules of Filmmaking
Damon pointed out that filmmakers now approach their work differently because of streaming. Audiences watch movies at home surrounded by constant distractions. This reality forces creators to rethink pacing and even dialogue choices. The actor shared specific insights about how this plays out in action films.
Faster Hooks and Constant Reminders
"Streamers want excitement almost immediately," Damon said. He described the traditional approach to action movies. Filmmakers would build slowly toward a big climax in the third act. Most of the budget went into that final sequence. Now, streaming executives ask for a major set piece within the first five minutes.
Damon broke down the changes clearly. "The standard way to make an action movie that we learned involved three set pieces. You have one in the first act, one in the second, and one in the third. You spend most money on that third act finale. Today, they want a big one right at the start to keep people watching."
He also mentioned another new expectation. Streamers want plot points repeated three or four times through dialogue. Why? Because viewers often check their phones while watching. Constant reminders help them follow the story even if they look away.
Storytelling in the Phone-Screen Era
Damon's comments reflect broader industry concerns. Modern films compete with notifications, social media scrolling, and multitasking. This pressure pushes creators to make narratives easier to follow. Scenes must work even if someone glances at their device for a few seconds.
These demands alter many elements. The rhythm of scenes changes. Characters speak differently. Plots move forward more quickly. For many filmmakers, storytelling becomes less about gradual buildup. Instead, it focuses on holding attention minute by minute.
Ben Affleck's Different Perspective
Ben Affleck, Damon's frequent collaborator, offered a contrasting view. He disagreed that streaming requires a fixed formula. Affleck pointed to Netflix's limited series Adolescence as a strong counterexample. That show proved restrained storytelling can still succeed.
"But then you look at Adolescence, and it didn't do any of that stuff," Affleck said. "And it's great. It's dark too. The story is tragic and intense. It follows a man who discovers his child stands accused of murder. There are long shots showing the back of characters' heads. They get into a car without saying anything."
For Affleck, the series' success demonstrates audiences can still appreciate silence and depth. Damon acknowledged the show worked beautifully. However, he suggested such successes might be exceptions rather than the rule in today's streaming landscape.
The conversation highlights an ongoing debate in Hollywood. As viewing habits evolve, filmmakers must balance artistic vision with practical demands. Streaming platforms clearly influence creative decisions, from pacing to dialogue repetition. Yet examples like Adolescence show there is still room for traditional, patient storytelling.
