Todd Phillips: Ditch Pre-Movie Ads for Better Theater Experience

Todd Phillips, the director of "Joker: Folie à Deux, " has a simple idea to enhance the movie theater experience: cut out the commercials before the films start. He shared this thought in an interview with Empire magazine, where filmmakers discussed the future of movies and entertainment. Phillips believes that paying for a ticket means people deserve to dive straight into the movie magic without being interrupted by ads. These commercials, he argues, deflate the excitement built up by moviegoers. Phillips isn't alone in his views. Sean Baker, director of "Anora, " also expressed concerns about the shift towards digital cinematography and streaming services. On the other hand, Paul Feig, known for "Freaks and Geeks, " praised streamers for their increasing contributions to the industry. Phillips' latest film, despite its hefty $200 million budget, didn't perform well at the box office. Critics panned it, and audiences didn't embrace it either. Industry veteran Paul Schrader even criticized the movie, calling it a "really bad musical. " However, Quentin Tarantino had a differing opinion, commending the DC flick as a rebellious act against Hollywood norms.