David Cronenberg Reflects on His Cinema Experience
Renowned filmmaker David Cronenberg, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the body horror genre, isn’t eager to rush to the latest film release. In a candid discussion with fellow filmmaker Jim Jarmusch for Interview Magazine, Cronenberg elaborated on his preference for a more solitary viewing of films rather than the traditional theater experience.
One of the factors influencing his choice is his reliance on subtitles to accommodate his hearing difficulties. Additionally, he expressed frustration with parking conditions in Toronto, noting that these elements contributed to his decision to minimize visits to cinemas. He remarked, “I stopped going to the cinema many years ago,” emphasizing that his attendance at theaters is now limited to occasions such as film festivals.
During the interview, Cronenberg reflected on his lackluster experiences in theaters, stating, “I’ve found that the projection isn’t always so great.” He humorously recounted an anecdote from the Venice Film Festival, sharing a stage with Spike Lee. He mentioned jokingly, “Spike, I’m watching Lawrence of Arabia on my watch, and there are a thousand camels there. I can see every one of them.” This quip highlighted his dwindling appreciation for the communal aspect of cinema, claiming that, “I don’t feel that communal thing” as he gets older.
Despite his reservations about traditional cinema, the acclaimed director expressed enthusiasm for the advancements in filmmaking technology. “I do find that people talking about streaming can be very passionate in the way that we were passionate in the movie theater after we saw a film,” he noted, acknowledging the shift in how audiences engage with films today. He believes that while the experience may be different, it’s not necessarily inferior.
Cronenberg continued by saying, “I also don’t miss working with film. The cutting and editing was a nightmare for me. It was very restrictive. You have so much more control now.” His commentary highlighted a significant transformation in filmmaking processes, reflecting the effectiveness of modern techniques in enabling creative freedom.
Lastly, while he articulated a sense of nostalgia for classic cinema, Cronenberg clarified, “I don’t have that Spielberg-esque need to actually shoot on film,” suggesting that he embraces contemporary practices without clinging to past methodologies.