Timothee Chalamet on Theatrical Releases and His 'Marty Supreme' Promo

Timothée Chalamet, despite starring in films released directly to streaming, publicly voiced his support for the traditional moviegoing experience. The actor shared these thoughts during a Q&A session at the Los Angeles Theatre on Friday, reflecting on his past projects and the impact of theatrical releases.

The Value of the Theatrical Release

Chalamet discussed his experiences with The King and Don’t Look Up, both distributed by Netflix. He believes a theatrical release creates “a moment,” describing it as “ceremonial” and providing a “drumroll” that’s harder to achieve with direct-to-streaming films. This perspective arrives as Netflix pursues a $72 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that initially raised concerns within the exhibition industry.

Did You Know? Roughly 2,000 fans sold out the Los Angeles Theatre for a Valentine’s Eve screening of Call Me by Your Name, cohosted by Cinespia and the American Cinematheque.

Netflix and the Future of Film Distribution

The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix sparked fears that fewer films would receive full theatrical releases. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos attempted to address these concerns in December, vowing to release Warner Bros. Films “in theatres with the traditional windows.”

Chalamet’s comments at the Los Angeles Theatre, though not directly referencing the merger, underscored his belief in supporting theatres. He jokingly acknowledged the enthusiastic applause from the audience after expressing his support. He also credited Netflix with having “unparalleled” reach and the ability to “hit things in the zeitgeist.”

Expert Insight: Chalamet’s public endorsement of theatrical releases, despite his involvement with streaming projects, highlights the ongoing debate within the film industry regarding distribution models and the importance of the cinematic experience. His comments suggest a desire to balance the convenience of streaming with the cultural significance of seeing films in theatres.

A Career Retrospective and Awards Recognition

The event at the Los Angeles Theatre was the final installment in the American Cinematheque’s Chalamet career retrospective, which included screenings of Marty Supreme, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Interstellar, The King, and Beautiful Boy. Chalamet expressed his enjoyment of film promotion, recalling the “buzzy, unconventional press tour” for Marty Supreme, which culminated in him climbing the Las Vegas Sphere.

Currently, Chalamet is on the Oscars campaign trail following his best actor nomination for Marty Supreme. He recently received a Critics Choice Award for his performance as a “table tennis hotshot” in the film, and his acceptance speech included a public acknowledgment of Kylie Jenner, his “partner of three years.”

The EsDeeKid Mystery

During the Q&A, DJ Zane Lowe also inquired about EsDeeKid, a British rapper speculated to be Chalamet’s musical alter ego. Chalamet playfully dismissed the question, stating, “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” after having collaborated with EsDeeKid on a remix of 4 Raws in December.

Frequently Asked Questions

What films starring Timothée Chalamet were screened as part of the American Cinematheque retrospective?

The retrospective included screenings of Marty Supreme, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Interstellar, The King, and Beautiful Boy, in addition to Call Me by Your Name.

What did Timothée Chalamet say about Netflix?

Chalamet credited Netflix with having “unparalleled” reach and the ability to “hit things in the zeitgeist,” acknowledging its unique impact on film distribution.

What award did Timothée Chalamet recently win?

Chalamet won a Critics Choice Award for his performance in Marty Supreme.

As Chalamet continues to navigate a successful career, will his advocacy for the theatrical experience influence future distribution decisions within the industry?

Timothee Chalamet on Theatrical Releases and His ‘Marty Supreme’ Promo