The great era of going to the movies is dying, says Sam Mendes

Director, whose new film is a love letter to cinema, says many of his past hits would have been for streaming

The “great era” of going to the cinema is dying, Sir Sam Mendes has said, adding that he thinks his most famous films would go to streaming services if made now.

The British director, known for his James Bond movies and critically acclaimed hits such as American Beauty and 1917, said: “The 20th century, the great era of movies, the great entertainment form – which was going out to the movies – that is dying.