Martin Scorsese’s latest film, “The Irishman,” is the most anticipated Oscar contender of the fall, but given that this is the kind of Netflix movie which should probably be seen theatrically, “The Irishman” could be the film that bridges the gap between streaming services and theater chains. Or maybe it could result in the opposite effect.
According to a report from the the New York Times, Netflix, who coughed up the $160 million needed to make the Scorsese mob saga, have been talking to AMC Theatres and Cineplex about having a full, nationwide release of “The Irishman.” Unfortunately, no deal is close to being made.
The problem seems to lie with the time between the movie’s theatrical window and its eventual availability to stream on Netflix. If you want an example, the way Netflix handled “Roma” theatrically, which was shown on the big screen for 21 days before its Netflix release, seems to be the course of action Netflix is looking for in regards to “The Irishman” release, but to most theater chains that is just not enough of a distance between theatrical and home viewing.
“Talks are underway with Netflix about our showing ‘The Irishman’ and other Netflix films, but the outcome of those conversations is not yet clear,” said Adam Aron, the AMC chief executive.
He added that AMC would be “delighted” to add “The Irishman” to its screens, but said, “We can only do so, however, on terms that respect AMC’s important and close relationships with our longstanding studio partners, including Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal, Sony, Paramount, Lionsgate and so many other filmmakers who are the lifeblood of our substantial business.”
I will be at the New York Film Festival this coming September, where “The Irishman” is set to have its world premiere screening on September 27th.
And just like that, after Venice and Telluride, the Best Actor race is taking shape, with Andrew Scott (“Elsinore”) and John Malkovich (“Wild Horse Nine”) emerging as major contenders.