Immersive Screening Experiences Can Diminish Films, Warns Martin Scorsese

Director Martin Scorsese has expressed his concerns about immersive and 3D screenings detracting from the quality of films. These screenings, also known as 4DX screenings, involve chairs that move with the action, along with water and smoke effects. Scorsese believes that these techniques can make films less effective when those elements are removed. In the past, Scorsese sparked a debate in Hollywood about the artistic value of blockbusters when he compared Marvel superhero movies to theme parks. Scorsese clarified his comments in a recent interview, stating that his main concern was about techniques that take away from a film's content. He questioned whether a film that relies on additional elements such as moving seats, scents, and technical effects would still be considered a film without those elements. 4DX screenings are similar to simulators, where the audience experiences the physical effects of the movie, such as shaking seats and simulated smells. While 4DX screenings have become popular, they only account for a small portion of box office earnings. In the UK, Cineworld offers 4DX screens in nearly 40 of its cinemas. Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, stated that cinemas provide a range of experiences to cater to different preferences. Scorsese, known for films like "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Goodfellas," has previously worked with 3D technology in his movie "Hugo." However, he believes that if a film relies too heavily on techniques like 3D, it may not function as effectively for viewers who do not see it in that format. He also warned about the dangers of relying on traditional narrative structures and character archetypes, as it could lead to a loss of nuance and subtlety in films. Scorsese's latest film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," has been nominated for several Oscars. The three-and-a-half-hour epic stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. It tells the true story of the systematic murders of Native Americans by white settlers in 1920s Oklahoma, driven by greed for the oil on their land.