TCM continues its celebration of MGM’s 100th birthday with a look back at the studio’s history, shedding light on the evolution of the entertainment industry. Patrick Stewart hosts the documentary “MGM: When the Lion Roars: 1946-1986,” exploring the studio’s journey through post-World War II America, facing challenges like the rise of television and antitrust laws.
The documentary highlights how MGM and other studios navigated a changing landscape, mirroring the current dominance of streaming giants like Netflix. With the power to create and distribute content at will, these companies wield immense influence over how audiences consume entertainment.
The recent reboot of “Roadhouse” on Prime Video, an MGM production, sparked mixed reactions, with some lamenting the absence of a theatrical release. This shift towards streaming exclusivity raises concerns about the future of communal movie-watching experiences and the impact of COVID restrictions on traditional cinema habits.
Moreover, the trend of shelving projects before they see the light of day has become more prevalent, with studios investing heavily in productions only to scrap them for various reasons. This practice underscores the industry’s power dynamics and the ability of moguls to dictate what audiences see.
As streaming becomes the primary mode of entertainment consumption, the control over content availability lies in the hands of a few major players. This shift echoes past instances of studios withholding films from audiences, emphasizing the enduring influence of entertainment corporations in shaping cultural consumption.
Overall, the exploration of MGM’s history serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the entertainment industry and the impact of technological advancements on how we experience media.