Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Reveal How Netflix Tried to Dumb Down ‘The Rip’

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, stars of the new Netflix movie The Rip, recently shared some insights about working with the streaming service. During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, they talked about their experience making the film and reflected on their careers, which span over ten years. The duo have collaborated on many projects, and their early success even earned them an Oscar for writing.

Things are very different now. Damon discusses how watching movies at home compares to the theater experience, and shares his thoughts on the current debate around this topic. He explains that changing viewing habits have also impacted filmmaking, drawing on his experience making The Rip. He says Netflix had some strong opinions about the movie and didn’t hesitate to share them.

Traditionally, action movies are structured around three major action sequences. There’s one early on to get things moving, another in the middle to raise the stakes, and a huge, explosive finale that’s where most of the budget goes. The final sequence is designed to be the biggest and most impressive part of the film.

These days, networks want immediate excitement – a major event within the first few minutes – to grab viewers’ attention and keep them watching. They also suggest repeatedly reminding the audience of the story, as many people are distracted by their phones while viewing.

Affleck Also Noted Some of the Exceptions to Netflix’s Bizarre Rule

Image via Netflix

If you watch a lot of Netflix shows, you’ve probably noticed a pattern. Many productions share a similar style, and it goes beyond just how they look. The plots and characters often lack depth, and the focus isn’t usually on complex storytelling. Netflix generally aims for easy-to-watch entertainment rather than thought-provoking narratives.

The streamer’s comments have sparked debate, but they reflect how entertainment works now. Movies and shows are often created to generate reactions, even if that means dividing audiences. The focus is on making things easily digestible for viewers. That said, it’s not accurate to say Netflix only offers this type of content. While options are limited, they do exist.

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During a podcast conversation, Affleck praised the show Adolescence as a standout example of quality television that breaks conventional rules. He highlighted its darkness, intensity, and tragic storyline – focusing on a father dealing with his child being accused of murder, depicted through long, silent scenes. Damon agreed, describing Adolescence as an exception to typical television tropes and “masterfully made.” Affleck concluded that the show proves you don’t need flashy techniques to create something great.

2026-01-18 23:11

Affleck Also Noted Some of the Exceptions to Netflix’s Bizarre Rule

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