Harmony Korine: Modern video games look better than any Spielberg movie

Steven Spielberg is a hot-take name to take jabs at within the movie industry, but Gummo director Harmony Korine has taken that route, saying that the maverick filmmaker’s movies pale visually to modern video games.

In a new profile by GQ, Harmony Korine cited his recent work with EDGLRD – a collective that includes video game designers, AI specialists, Korine himself, and more – as a reason for his perspective. “It’s almost gone 360. You could look at the Call of Duty trailer now, and it looks better than anything that Spielberg’s ever done.” Of note, four films by Spielberg have won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, showing that the man has always had the pulse of technological advances at the forefront: Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Jurassic Park. Wait, the most recent one was 30 years ago? Maybe Korine has a point…

In actuality, Harmony Korine may just be using Spielberg as a name that represents some of the most eye-catching movies in history. But to even suggest that video games are more visually impressive than even the most stunning motion pictures will certainly rile up audiences.

Harmony Korine, who also helmed movies like Spring Breakers and the alright alright alright The Beach Bum, is currently promoting AGGRO DR1FT, a movie that was shot 100% in infrared. Adding to his description of the movie as “gamecore” – wait, we thought that’s what Ready Player One was… – Harmony Korine also said questions were raised of, “What is the feeling of being inside of a game? Or even something close to a drug experience? Is there a physical kind of component to what you’re watching? Is there something that blurs the line between reality and unreality.” The movie will premiere at this year’s Venice International Film Festival out of competition and also screen during the Midnight Madness series at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

What are your thoughts on the modern appeal of video games? Is Harmony Korine right when he says the technology has reached a point where it rivals big-budget blockbusters? Give us your take in the comments section below!