By Bryce Lawson
With awards season coming up, lots of
Unlike many of the other films in Oscars contention, “Roma” is a Netflix-produced film, making its distribution exclusive to the streaming service.
In order to meet the academy requirements, the film, which follows the life of a housekeeper in a middle-class Mexican home, will have a limited theatrical run around the country. “Roma” has a chance to become the first Netflix-backed film to win an Oscar, which could change the industry forever.
The success of Roma could lead to more filmmakers taking the Netflix approach, rather than dealing with the studio system to get their films out.
For me, this is a problem. Yes, Netflix allows the filmmakers to create projects that otherwise would not get made due to possibly flopping at the box office. But due to Netflix’s built-in monthly paid service, the risk of making the money back is far less risky.
However, the lack of a theater experience can compromise the artistic vision of a director.
“Roma,” my number one film from last year, is shot in black and white and features many jaw-dropping tracking shots that deserve to be seen on the big screen. Although it didn’t hold back my love for the film, I faced many streaming errors while trying to watch the film, which became annoying toward the climax.
If I had the opportunity to see the film in a theater, the experience might have gone smoother. With that being said, I feel that everyone should watch this film. Once you get past it being black and white and in a foreign language, you will be drawn in by the authentic realism that director Alfonso Cuaron pulls off on screen.
After picking up wins at the Venice Film Festival, as well as winning Best Foreign Feature at the Golden Globes, it seems “Roma” will no doubt be taking home at least one Oscar this awards season.
