Netflix, Paramount, Culture: Ideas From Defeat

Dear Moviegoers,

At the end of the world, let it be known that Joe Dante's Gremlins 2: The New Batch proved to be prophetic. We're about to live in billionaire Daniel Clamp's world of mass(ively) consolidated media, automated skyscraper and all. Happy endings in full color and floor after floor of studio infotainment, meant to drown out the awfulness of the total portrait that'll hinder humanity: the total control of culture.

While nothing is final as of the publication of this post, it appears that Paramount will be purchasing the assets of Warner Bros, after Netflix dropped its previous winning bid. If things go through, this deal will give the very conservative and ultra-wealthy Ellison family ownership of a large cache of properties, from HBO to CNN, from classic cinema to moderate news programs.

On the face of it all, the average consumer might see this as more convenient than problematic, tightening their options for things to watch and potentially saving them some cash that would've gone to multiple streaming platforms. But, of course, the big picture - or total portrait - is that the vast landscape of our information flow will be funnelled through fewer and fewer hands, leading to the high probability of one vision that'll rule above all others.

And, in this era of right-wing misinformation, where cheating equals winning, and voters are expendable, a deal that'll let so few wield so much is absolutely dangerous.

How do we, as moviegoers, make a challenge to save culture at large?

It's such a headache to think about, especially since these services are difficult to avoid, and the cost of establishing something new can be too heavy a cost. Do we march and protest in public? Crackdowns on free speech and dissent are getting worse. Do we vote for better leaders? Many in charge currently want to restrict such rights and could very well succeed in different ways.

Is it possible to wait things out? No.

No, I'm not suggesting defeatism or giving up, but when freaking Netflix was represented as being a hero in this battle, there's the feeling of slim pickings and little that can be done.

Little can be done, but little can mean a lot.

As moviegoers, we still have some choices:

• Buy tickets less and less from major chain theaters that exclusively play just the big pictures, and provide honest feedback as to why. Arthouse and independent theaters are still around, and deserve much support.
• Delete monopolized streaming apps and platforms for more physical media items. Invest in region-free DVD or Blu-ray players, and make your own home setup.
• Host community cinema clubs (online or in person), by whatever means (legal kinds are available), to foster communication, debate, and togetherness in the darkest of rooms.
• Build some little free film libraries in your neighborhoods. Contact businesses and ask permission to place one at their establishment.
• Engage online in what you're doing, what you're watching (and not watching), how it's being done, how others could do it, and more. Everyone's a critic, to a degree, so write anywhere and whenever. Message local journalists and pitch them stories. Why not?
• Vote. Seems "silly" or "cliche," but it matters. Local, State, and National. Look for candidates who speak about wealth taxes and breaking up monopolies. If none in your area are doing that, ask them where they stand. Contact your current representatives and leave messages (phone, email, letters) about these concerns. Become a nuisance. Become unavoidable.
• Seek out and watch documentaries and narrative films of all kinds, but especially ones on citizen action against corporations. It's a battle that's been won before, so do some research. Rent from your local public libraries and/or scour resellers and anyone else (critics, distributors, producers, filmmakers) who may know where to find something.

I'm one to talk (and write), but jotting this stuff down can help. And if you or yours have other ideas, go with them - and send some my way too.

Sincerely Yours in Moviegoing,

⚜️🍿