Social media is one of the best (and worst) inventions of our time. The fact that people all across the world are connected nowadays is a great idea, in theory. However, in practice, we have now seen just how toxic social media can be, and how it has greatly altered the trajectory of various businesses and industries. The world of film is no different. And Viola Davis thinks film is worse off because of social media and the idea of “escapist” filmmaking.
Speaking at the Produced By Conference (via Variety), Viola Davis talked about what she sees as the negative impact that social media and “escapism” is having on the world of film. Obviously, she’s talking about how blockbuster popcorn films have been dominating the theatrical release schedule and how smaller, more serious fare is being shuffled to the side because it’s all about what can have the greatest cultural impact.
READ MORE: Viola Davis To Star In An Amanda Wallace ‘Peacemaker’ Spin-Off Series At HBO Max
“Social media has taken over the defining of this art form,” Davis explained. “I think that the word ‘escapism’ is something that is interesting — the goal all of us have is to sit in a movie with the popcorn and Sour Patch Kids and forget about our lives — but, literally, it destroys our art form.”
She added that her young daughter consumes entertainment, such as Marvel films (which Davis is an admitted fan of), but “every time you’re in a room selling a narrative, it’s about how much you can create a story that allows us to escape. The characters then become a Mr. Potato Head, become Bobble Heads. We forget who these people are really until a movie comes along and blows our mind.”
Though Davis seems like she’s against blockbuster filmmaking, she’s shown herself to be just as capable of tackling big-budget films as she is taking on smaller, more personal roles. Of course, Davis has appeared in blockbuster films such as “Suicide Squad,” “The Suicide Squad,” “Ender’s Game,” and “Beautiful Creatures,” among others. However, most of her work is with smaller films with acclaimed filmmakers, such as “Widows,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fences,” and “Prisoners.”
Davis’ concerns echo the likes of Martin Scorsese and various other filmmakers, who have seen the way modern filmmaking has turned into an industry dominated by franchises, sequels, and superheroes. Thankfully, there are still smaller studios and streaming services willing to give more adult, dramatic fare a home.
Davis most recently was seen in her series, “The First Lady,” and will next be seen in the film, “The Woman King.”
