Spielberg: "The Theater Experience Cannot Be Replaced by Netflix"

"I have never used AI in my films"
"I oppose AI replacing creative individuals"

Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg stated that the value of the theater experience cannot be replaced by streaming services such as Netflix.

Director Steven Spielberg. CGV Arthouse

On March 14 (local time), major U.S. daily the Los Angeles Times (LAT) and other outlets reported that Spielberg made these remarks at the South by Southwest (SXSW) event held the previous day in Austin, Texas.

He clarified that he does not intend to diminish the experience of watching movies on streaming services, mentioning that he himself has worked with Netflix. Nevertheless, he emphasized, "For me, the true (cinematic) experience comes when people are drawn together into a dark, unfamiliar space." He continued, "Although we are all strangers, by the end of a truly great film, we walk out—into the sunlight or into the darkness—as one, having shared countless emotions. It is an experience unlike any other."

He also pointed out, "This kind of experience occurs not only with movies but also at concerts, ballets, and operas," earning applause from the audience. This was seen as a veiled criticism of recent remarks by actor Timothée Chalamet, who commented that he does not want to work in fields where people feel compelled to say, 'We need to keep this alive,' such as ballet or opera, because it seems that no one cares about them anymore.

Spielberg also expressed a critical view regarding the film industry's recent active adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed that he has not yet used AI in any of his films. He said, "I support AI in various fields," but added, "I am opposed to AI replacing creative individuals."

He does not oppose technology itself. In works such as 'Minority Report,' 'Ready Player One,' and 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence,' he has depicted how technology can embody both good and evil.

As the director of the film 'E.T.,' he stated, "No one should think that we are the only intelligent civilization in the entire universe," adding, "Since I was young, I have always believed that we are not alone." Spielberg is set to release his new sci-fi thriller about an alien invasion, 'Disclosure Day,' in June.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.