We’ve already talked a great deal about the fall film slate being unleashed by streaming giant Netflix. The company has no less than a dozen noteworthy films coming out between September and the end of the year, and has firmly placed itself as one of the premier destinations for quality cinema. And as we heard from filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron yesterday, and the Coen Brothers today, there’s a big reason why Netflix is collecting all these quality films.
READ MORE: 55 Must-See Films: The 2018 Fall Movie Preview
The Coen Brothers are in Venice right now, hot off the premiere of their latest film, “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.” The film, which was originally reported to be a 6-part anthology miniseries, was unveiled as an anthology film when the Venice lineup was announced. And even though the filmmaking pair is a very respected force in Hollywood, a 6-part anthology film is still a tough sell. That’s why Netflix was the perfect destination.
“The fact there are companies that are financing and making movies outside the mainstream is very important,” said Joel Cohen (via Deadline). “It’s what keeps the art form alive. The more the merrier. Different ways are important. It’s healthier for the business.”
The big debate around whether or not filmmakers of the Coen Brothers pedigree seems to revolve around the idea of a theatrical release. Many film fans still want the experience of going to a theater to see the latest Coen Brothers film on the big screen, even if its available in the comfort of their own home. And the filmmaking duo understands that. As does Netflix.
“A theatrical release was important to us, but they [Netflix] were happy to accommodate us,” Joel continued. “That might have been their plan from the beginning. It’s getting a theatrical release in the U.S. That’s great. It’s important that people who want to see it on the big screen are able to.”
The other added benefit of a theatrical release, for the filmmakers and the studio, is the fact that now ‘Buster Scruggs’ will qualify for awards at the end of the year.
All that being said, the brothers talked about why they wanted to do an experimental anthology film in 2018, when studios seem to only care about sure-thing box office hits. “We like all sorts of movies,” said Ethan. “There isn’t a market for shorts but we like anthology movies of the ’60s and ’70s like ‘Boccaccio 70’…Nobody is doing that kind of thing, anthology movies. We thought it’d be fun to bring it back.”
“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” just celebrated its world premiere at Venice and we’ll have our review later today. But for those waiting for the film to have its official release, Netflix will drop the film in theaters on November 16, with a streaming date yet to be announced.