Cinema etiquette is a tricky thing to get right. A bit like using cutlery, what's deemed acceptable varies from person to person. Hold your knife like a pencil at my place, and you're likely to be holding it by your eye socket before long. So, last night I trundled along to see An Education at my local multiplex. Not a huge fan of the multiplex experience generally (it's impossible to find a seat without some indeterminate crusty and/or sticky residue from a gorging teen), I'm still more than happy to shake things up if it's a multiplex kind of film. However, an education was exactly what the thoroughly inconsiderate couple in front of me needed. An education in how the world is populated with people other than themselves, and in how most people don't appreciate the stench of their Chinese noodle takeaway, or their incessant need to explain every scene to each other.
Now, I'm not the most tolerant of anyone who disturbs my viewing experience, but I'm no silence fascist either. A good film should prompt a reaction, whether that means making you laugh, cry or whatever, and of course popcorn is a tradition that has to be endured. There are limits though, which got me thinking about the cinema environment in which I could enjoy a movie the most...
Teens talk, giggle and throw popcorn, so Final Destination or a sex comedy is a no go. Think you're safe in an arthouse cinema, watching a baffling Kristin Scott Thomas movie or the latest Dardenne Brothers? It's a trap. Older people statistically go to the cinema far less, and so when they do, it's a big night out and therefore (whatever the film) a great chance for a chat. Essentially, here, the cinema is just an extension of the living room. A date movie? Think again. Couples cuddle, so the gap between the two seats in front becomes a conjoined ball of hair, blocking the view and forcing you uncomfortably close to your poor neighbour. I should point out here that I'm excluding any press screenings, most of which are eerily quiet.
No, I've concluded the best situation, the best combination of elements, the perfect storm, the zenith of cinema going is to be had watching a horror film at an arthouse cinema - the nastier the pic, the better. Antichrist at the Picturehouse and Martyrs at the ICA, both quiet and relatively empty, populated by folks who just wanted to watch the film. I dare say there are many other factors that come into play - time of day, seat, etc. but I think it's a good start with near infinite possibilities for refinement. Further advice welcomed...
You bring up some valid and valuable points and experiences, James. And I'm sorry you had to have such an inconsiderate couples of louts in front of you.
The thing is I've never really had a bad cinema going experience based on other audience attendees, so I can't really relate.
I know they happen, but for whatever reason, in the places I've lived, (from the American east coast to west coast and back) I've rarely encountered anything that is bad etiquette. Occasionally a cell phone light pops on and then off, a whisper here or there, and yes in the appropriate films, vocal reaction of some kind, and kids asking questions in the rare occurrence I see a film with a bunch of kids but nothing astronomically exasperating or lasting longer than a moment.
Oddly enough the most annoying experiences I've had are home viewings with other people... usually family members, heh. I can see how that lack of etiquette at home can bleed into a night at the cinema... especially as it becomes the norm over the theater.
I'm a nice guy under most circumstances, but interfere with my moviegoing experience and watch me turn into Super Bastard. I'll always ask you nicely to cool it once - but after that, nothing is off limits.
Always go to the movies early, from Monday to Thursday.
hmm, quite tricky indeed. I think the main key is to pick your fights wisely and base them on how far you're willing to go.
There have been times when I've moved further away and other times when I've leaned over to the person I'm with and quietly said "sorry, but I may end up getting us kicked out" and then proceeded to do excatly what the offending party was doing only turned up to 10. This usually works and they trap up, but I'm always prepared for things to get out of hand.
But my all time favorite is the whole theater multiple "shush!" barrage, that is directed at a few idiots who thought they could get away with being loud and rowdy cause they were in a large theater and no one would notice or care really. Instead they're shushed, told to shut up and basically berated into silence.
I usually try for the first matinee on Sundays. Folks are still relatively docile and sleepy from Friday or Saturday festivities and don't wake up until later that afternoon. A nice spot of lunch after church and I go to a film and wash all that Jesus away with some good worldly entertainment.
James,
Sentiments that resonate deeplt with me too!
I've stopped going to multiplex's for exactly the same reasons, Instead of chilling out, letting myself sink into another world for 2hrs, I get quite irate with inconsiderate people who talk, use mobiles, throw popcorn (sometimes at me!) get up and down repeatedly, throughout a film. Where are the ushers? who is enforcing the rules? why is it left for people with manners to do have to get up and talk to disruptive people( often risking a possible fraccas) or trapse to the front of the house to get the manager.??!!!
I have got cinema rage on several occaisions and swore loudly at the offenders, being 6 ft 2" usually helps, but why should I have to put up with this sh1t?
I don't expect deadly silence, I enjoy going to see a movie with a packed audience, whooping, laughing, screaming all at once in the shared thrill of the experience, that is what cinema is all about, not having some selfish idiiot(s) ruin the experience for all the others.
So, now I don't go to multiplexes, I'll pay double to go to a plush local arthouse with individual footstools, or watch at home on DVD.
And they wonder why audiences are declining and downloading goes on.
I could go on(and on) but I won't! I will say hover, that the polite "switch off your phone" ad before the fil is not firm enough, there needs to be more emphasis on targeting those who do disrupt being evicted and banned, and generally respecting everybody elses right to enjoy the film in relative peace
It's just getting worse and worse, nowadays. I tend to go early on Sundays if it's something I know a lot of people will want to see. The teens here are TERRIBLE. They talk and yell, I've even seen a few people make cell phone calls in the middle of a movie. I expect people to laugh at comedies and scream at horror movies, but the way people are acting now is ridiculous. The only other way of avoiding this nonsense that works for me is seeing a movie that mostly mature people are going to see. I saw The Hurt Locker and Inglourious Basterds and I didn't have any problems. Half-Blood Prince, on the other hand... So, you can either do one of the above two, or just stay at home. My TV can't compare to the big screen, but at least I don't have to deal with inconsiderate douches.