Is there anything better than drama? We don’t think so either. Sure, we claim to not like drama, but lets call a spade a spade… everyone seems to like it (as long as they aren’t involved in it). That being said, we have to admit that the drama around Road House and where it’s released has been captivating.
You may remember that director, Doug Liman, skipped the SXSW premiere of the film, upset that it wasn’t getting a theatrical release. And yes, we’re sure it may have more to do with things, besides just that, but we’re not sure.
What we do know is that he said at the time, “The movie is fantastic, maybe my best, and I’m sure it will bring the house down and possibly have the audience dancing in their seats during the end credits. But I will not be there.”
The director even wrote an op-ed on Deadline at the time about the streaming release. Now, the stars of the film, Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor, are weighing in on the streaming vs. theatrical release.
Jake seemed to play both sides of the fence (not hating on that, cause like gotta keep everyone happy) when speaking with Total Film, “I adore Doug’s tenacity, and I think he is advocating for filmmakers, and film in the cinema, and theatrical releases. But, I mean, Amazon was always clear that it was streaming.”
“I just want as many people to see it as possible. And I think we’re living in a world that’s changing in how we see and watch movies, and how they’re made. What’s clear to me, and what I loved so much, was [Liman’s] deep love for this movie, and his pride at how much he cares for it, how good he feels it is, and how much people should see it,” he continued. “I’ve also sat watching a film on my computer, or in different places, and been so profoundly moved. If the job of a story is to move people, I have been moved in both forms. I’m a deep lover of cinema and the theatrical release — but I also do really embrace the streaming world.”
Conor McGregor had a different outlook on the situation, ““I’d love for it to be in theaters. I’m for the theater. I understand the business, also … I’d love a call with Bezos,” he said.
Both sides of the coin. Differing opinions. But hey, we want to know what you think about the situation.
