High-level controversies relate to the question of how to translate ancient Greek epic to the screen and the relative importance of accurate period details. Ugly Gutter Fights is about the film’s diverse casting and allegedly “woke” leanings on the source material.
But whatever they imagine the film to be, Internet influencers and tastemakers won’t be giving away their first impressions from an actual screening. In an apparent sign of confidence, Universal Studios has opted to skip the previews that are typically meant for influencers, The Hollywood Reporter reported Thursday. These screenings, which are common throughout the industry, generate abundant praise on social media and fan blogs that can soften the blow of mixed or negative reviews from professional critics.
While it should be noted that many TikTok and YouTube content creators will still get to see the film ahead of release with the press, the decision not to feature their discussion live has proven widely popular — at least with film critics, many of whom are planning to attend. odyssey Screening after its global premiere on 7 July in London.
Scott Muntz, co-founder of the Hollywood Critics Association, was not one to downplay the move. “Good!!” “Because everyone knows so-called ‘influencer’ social media reactions are complete bullshit,” he wrote in a post reacting to the news on X.
Other writers were a little more cheeky, if even seeming amused; IndieWire’s chief film critic David Ehrlich joked on X that “This is what Homer would have wanted.” Some wondered whether this neglect might be a sign of a developing trend. “Good on Universal!” Kristen Lopez, editor-in-chief of The Independent newsletter, wrote film mavenOn X. “It’ll be interesting to see if other studios follow suit (though I’m leaning toward no).”
Screen International’s senior US critic Tim Grierson told WIRED that leaving out impressive performances is a “great” idea. “Real film critics have become accustomed to how studios often try to diminish our importance by allowing influential people to be the first people to have a voice in a film,” he says. “This is another way in which Hollywood tries to create the idea that some of the new bullshit blockbusters are actually ‘for fans, not critics.'”
Instead, Universal is betting on an old-fashioned promotional cycle. Grierson says, “Essentially, the studio is announcing that it doesn’t need influencers to reinforce the opening words of a movie—people who aren’t too angry and critical.” Additionally, he notes, “It was also a smart move on Nolan’s part, because now anyone who gets invited to the press screening – including influencers who will see it at the same time as the rest of us – will feel like, ‘Oh wow, Christopher Nolan values me as a smart, professional critic!'”
Grierson says, “Whether it’s intentional or not, it’s certainly not the worst way to endear yourself to the people responsible for evaluating your film.” (And who knows, maybe critics who feel their work is getting the respect it deserves are a little more inclined to write in favor of a film.)
While a handful of anti-woke crusaders claim that the increased response to critics of the establishment compared to the sharp statements of Internet celebrities indicates a fear that odyssey Facing massive right-wing opposition, there’s no reason to doubt that anyone at Universal is breaking a sweat right now. The film is on track for a massive $80 million to $100 million opening, and movie theater apps and websites were immediately overloaded when tickets went on sale earlier this month. It broke the record for most seats sold in a 24-hour period at the BFI IMAX, which has the largest screen in the UK, and shows in premium IMAX and 70-mm formats sold out rapidly across the US, leading scalpers to list tickets for up to $1,000 on eBay.
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