In a recent interview with EW, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas debate the role of the Web when it comes to movies. Apparently, Spielberg has had a tough time keeping details of the new Indiana Jones film under wraps, and partially blames the Internet for ruining the element of surprise. Lucas, on the other hand argues it's not that big a deal, saying:
Y'know, Steven will say, "Oh, everything's out on the Internet [in terms of Crystal Skull details] — what this is and what that is." And to that I say, "Steven, it doesn't make any difference!" Look — Jaws was a novel before it was a movie, and anybody could see how it ended. Didn't matter.
First of all, it's kind of adorable to read about these two giants bickering like this. However, Spielberg's not the only Hollywood heavyweight annoyed with the Internet these days. Barry Sonnenfeld, director of Men in Black told a live audience: "I fear the Internet for so many reasons," and went on to say he thinks Facebook will bring about the fall of democracy.
The end of democracy aside, I understand how too much speculation and spoilers across the Web might be eroding the element of surprise in the theaters. On the other hand, fans hungry for certain films get to feed their obsessions online, which I assume is a good thing when it comes to building buzz. Do you think the movie experience is being ruined? Or is this the way of the future and filmmakers ought to adapt?
Vanessa Bruno
Only dumb people go out of their ways to spoil a movie event.
1some people love spoilers some don't. It's not like they're in your face everytime you go online, usually you look for them. So if you hate them, don't read about it! No biggie. But I can see how it would be frustrating for someone trying to make a movie to not be able to keep things secret. THat's part of the fun
2the internet can only ruin a movie if you let it
you can always not go to a website or ask people to stop talking about it if they know the spoiler
3It's the previews and trailers that ruin a movie NOT the internet!
4I did not enjoy the overexposure of movies like Juno and also I think it's starting to happen with Baby Mama. But I think it has more to do with too much info in the previews (hello Sex and the City) than the internet per se. All these wild ad campaigns like for Simpsons and 27 Dresses just kinda go a little too far.
5Absolutely.
6I would never read a script beforehand, but I do get unintentionally spoiled more often than I'd want to. I sometimes wonder how different movies these days would be if we didn't know EVERY little detail going in to see it.
7Of course it doesn't. If you don't want to know, don't read it. I've never had any flick ruined by the net and I'm a huge movie buff.
8Sometimes you can't avoid the spoilers though. I just don't see the fun in ruining a movie for someone else.
9I dont think so...
10All it takes is a little self-control, actually.
11I think the movie trailers themselves that they run over and over ruin a movie - Several movies that I have been interested in because of the trailer have been bombs! They have shown every interesting moment in the trailer and left nothing for the theater! I wait until it comes out on HBO - saves me a lot of money and time!
12Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.