A family drama that sparked a major clash at the Cannes Film Festival
In short: Noah Baumbach’s 2017 comedy-drama The Meyerowitz Stories follows dysfunctional siblings struggling under their father’s shadow. Beyond its critical acclaim, the film became a flashpoint in the battle between traditional cinema and streaming giants, ultimately forcing the Cannes Film Festival to rewrite its rules regarding theatrical distribution and online platforms.
The Meyerowitz Stories, written and directed by Noah Baumbach, centers on the complex lives of adult siblings Danny, Jean, and Matthew as they navigate their relationships with their father, Harold, a retired art professor. The film features a notable ensemble cast, including Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Dustin Hoffman. Critics lauded the script and performances, particularly highlighting Sandler’s dramatic turn, which many reviewers described as a triumph.
The film’s 2017 premiere at Cannes triggered a significant industry controversy. As a Netflix production, its inclusion in the main competition drew sharp criticism from jury president Pedro Almodóvar, who insisted that festival films should be intended for big screens rather than streaming services. This tension led the festival to implement a new mandate requiring competing films to commit to French theatrical distribution. Because French law prohibits streaming releases until 36 months after a theatrical debut, this policy effectively barred future Netflix entries from the festival.
Despite the institutional friction, the film was well-received, earning a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a four-minute standing ovation at its world premiere. While Netflix does not disclose official box-office figures, industry estimates suggested an opening weekend gross of approximately $20,000, a figure considered impressive for a simultaneous streaming release. The production, which was filmed in New York between March and May 2016, remains a pivotal case study in the shifting landscape of modern film distribution and the evolving expectations of the cinematic establishment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Meyerowitz Stories
- Also: Wikidata — The Meyerowitz Stories · CC0
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