Today marks the opening day of one of the year’s most anticipated feature films, “The Irishman.” And if this was only a few years ago, a Martin Scorsese film starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci would be seen on over 3,000 screens and all around the world. But, considering this is a Netflix film, “The Irishman” is getting a short, select theater run for a few weeks before people will stream it at home, at work, in school, or even on the toilet. You know, where cinema is consumed nowadays.
And to Ray Romano and Pacino, the idea that “The Irishman” isn’t going to be seen in more theaters is a shame. But as they explained to The Today Show, they’re happy that it’s at least in some cinemas and will be able to be enjoyed by anyone with Netflix eventually. But watching a film in a cinema is a whole different experience.
“It’s a different experience,” said Pacino. “When you’re watching something on television, you know, if you wanted to, you could stop it and take that break. In the movie house, you’re just there. You are sort of prepared for another experience. I think that changes when you’re home.”
He added, “But it’s still great that it’s [in theaters] and we have that.”
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“I think if there’s a movie that is an argument for keeping the theater experience alive, it’s [‘The Irishman’],” said Romano. “But the fact that it is on Netflix means that people who can’t see it will be able to see it also.”
Romano continued by talking about the joys of watching a film in the theaters, saying, “It’s also the shared experience. When there’s those silences and it’s compelling and it’s heavy. Just to know you don’t know any of these people, but we’re all feeling the same thing. That’s part of it.”
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Pacino added, “With some of the other films, the bigger, more popular films, the Marvel films, do have that experience. It’s an event the same way a sporting event is an event. They go to it, you’re there.”
It’s interesting to note that many believed that “The Irishman” could mark the first Netflix film to be released with a full theatrical window. In fact, the very first teaser for the film proudly stated that it would be seen in theaters. However, as we approached the release date, it was clear that Netflix was giving Scorsese’s latest just under a month of theatrical exclusivity, leaving many upset over the idea that they can’t go to their local multiplex to watch the film.
If you’re lucky enough to have “The Irishman” in your area, the film opened today in select cities and will expand in the next week or so. Eventually, the film will arrive on Netflix to stream, worldwide, on November 27.