Global Exclusive/ Michael Douglas weighs in on theatre vs OTT debate: I worry sometimes that...

Nearly two decades ago, author David Sterritt mused about a future where going to the movies would be akin to attending the opera – a special occasion marked by sophistication and a sense of grandeur. In 2023, this notion doesn't seem far-fetched, as per Michael Douglas. The veteran actor, who will be felicitated with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the concluding ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa, spoke exclusively with Republic.

Michael Douglas compares theatres to operas

After a pandemic-induced hiatus that lasted over two years, the movie theatre business has bounced back. Blockbusters like Oppenheimer, Barbie, Pathaan, Jawaan, The Kerala Story, and Gadar 2 have not only graced the silver screen but have also revived the box office business. The resilience of the movie theater industry defies earlier predictions of its waning relevance in the face of the streaming surge.

Amid the theatre vs OTT debate, Michael Douglas voiced his apprehensions about the potential disappearance of the cinema experience. Drawing parallels with the opera and ballet, he expressed concern that cinema might transform into a "rare occasion", losing its everyday accessibility. He said, "I worry sometimes that cinema is going to become like the opera, or the ballet, this rare occasion. "

Michael Douglas on unrivaled theater experience

Michael Douglas spoke about the unparalleled experience of watching a film in a theatre. Even with the convenience of an iPad and quality headphones, he argued that nothing could match the magic of the big screen and the "shared experience with an audience". According to the actor, the theatre, be it for stage or film, holds a unique allure in bringing people together in a collective journey.

He said, "Because even on your iPad, with your headphones and the sound is good (but) nothing will match the experience of the screen. The fact of sharing something together. And that's really, the theatre experience has that one magical quality, either stage or film, you're sharing something with the whole room of people at the same time."

Acknowledging the impact of streaming services, Michael Douglas recognised the younger generation's ability to multitask and mentioned their accustomed viewing habits on personal devices.

He added, "This is the input of streaming, the streaming services that are creating so much more product. You're right, the younger generation they're used to seeing everything...well they're used to doing three things at the same time which is what always amazes me but they're used to seeing it on their phones."