An Unadulterated Cinematic Movie Viewing Experience - Is this concept to much to ask for?
I recently attended a theater viewing of the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth (3D) and had the pleasure of sitting directly in front of a, shall we say, vocal audience member...
Approximately 15 minutes into the movie, I decided that since someone else was paying for me to see this particular movie, and since I knew that I would probably not need to devote a large portion of my attention to the plot, (this is not a comment on the quality of the movie,) I would document my experience.
Over the course of the remaining 77 minutes of the movie, I tallied 22 uses of the word "cool," 34 uses of the word "whoa," 7 uses of the word "dude," all very audible, and exclaimed in very repetitive arrangement such as "Huh huh, whoa, that was cool." In addition, I was provided with in theater audio commentary of the type where, if, say, a bird were on screen, the audience member would proclaim "huh huh, bird!" or if one character asked another a question, the audience member would voice the answer over the top of the responding character's answer. When the credits rolled, I stood up and walked several feet away so that I could turn around and observe the audience member's interaction with his party, and subsequently rule out mental disability or immaturity based on age.
Obviously, this situation is an extreme, as I was attending a 3D movie, (ohh and ahh,) and was dealing with a particularly braindead variety of movie patron, but still, I have noticed more and more that some people have no regard for the movie experience or the artistic integrity of film at all. It's as though going to movies is like going to the bar or something. People yak, or text message, or even worse, play on their PSP, and, I'm sorry, but it really pisses me off.
I, personally, am not ready to give up going to movies in theaters, but I am curious to read other peoples opinions and experiences, whether similar or contradictory.
Approximately 15 minutes into the movie, I decided that since someone else was paying for me to see this particular movie, and since I knew that I would probably not need to devote a large portion of my attention to the plot, (this is not a comment on the quality of the movie,) I would document my experience.
Over the course of the remaining 77 minutes of the movie, I tallied 22 uses of the word "cool," 34 uses of the word "whoa," 7 uses of the word "dude," all very audible, and exclaimed in very repetitive arrangement such as "Huh huh, whoa, that was cool." In addition, I was provided with in theater audio commentary of the type where, if, say, a bird were on screen, the audience member would proclaim "huh huh, bird!" or if one character asked another a question, the audience member would voice the answer over the top of the responding character's answer. When the credits rolled, I stood up and walked several feet away so that I could turn around and observe the audience member's interaction with his party, and subsequently rule out mental disability or immaturity based on age.
Obviously, this situation is an extreme, as I was attending a 3D movie, (ohh and ahh,) and was dealing with a particularly braindead variety of movie patron, but still, I have noticed more and more that some people have no regard for the movie experience or the artistic integrity of film at all. It's as though going to movies is like going to the bar or something. People yak, or text message, or even worse, play on their PSP, and, I'm sorry, but it really pisses me off.
I, personally, am not ready to give up going to movies in theaters, but I am curious to read other peoples opinions and experiences, whether similar or contradictory.
Tags: experience, movie, patrons, theater
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by susan on -
one goes to an opening of a star wars movie or the dark knight for the experience. but those goers WANT to see the movie, the line is for visiting and geeking! i blame presales of movie tickets. no one waits in line for hours anymore. that community is gone. one does NOT pay to here about granma's liver operation.
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Permalink Reply by Microwaved on -
Long time no see Clock!
I hate people in the theatre, but I've found a remedy. The Supreme Court has ruled that we as citizens are allowed to keep guns, so now I'm going to the theatre packing!
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Permalink Reply by clockwork983 on -
"No see"...?
Wait, are you...
are you watching me?
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Permalink Reply by Microwaved on
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Constantly....
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Permalink Reply by 2McAbre on -
I'm actually of two minds regarding this subject, and the thought process truly revolves around exactly what "type" of movie I went to the theater to see.
If its a movie that creates atmosphere, surges adrenaline, creates tension and suspense, makes you laugh, etc. Then I expect audience participation and even encourage it. Allowing for a combined experience where the cumulative group emotional state plays a huge factor, only heightens the overall experience.
On the other hand, if I am going to watch a more serious film, like a detective, or more artsy film noir, where the experience is more internal and requires less distraction so as to more deeply immerse myself into the film, then and usually always I would prefer a more quieter audience. In these cases however I tend to wait for the film to come out on DVD (or VHS in the day) and have the experience in the quiet comfort of my home.
I will admit that there is a trend in the unnecessary, such as cell phones, ipods, handheld games, etc. and that those items should not be allowed in the theater.
But audience participation in a movie that is geared toward reaction? Its almost a given, and really isn't something that's new.
Has anyone else ever participated in a midnight "Rocky Horror Picture" viewing? How utterly boring that would be without the costumes, props and audience participation.
While that may be the exception and not the rule, it just supports that certain films are going to create certain atmospheres, so sometimes you'll need to go in aware that your choices may not be entirely conducive to your definition of a great viewing experience.
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Permalink Reply by Slappy on -
People are rude. Social interaction aside, gasps and excitement in a movie theater don't bug me so much, but for the most part that isn't what is going on in theaters. Although I don't like the comparison to a concert because for the most part because you really have to hear conversation in the movie and they are not as loud as a concert a certain amount of quiet is just common sense. Including getting excited over the movie try to contain it some and don't answer over actors come on seriously. Does anyone like that movie fanatic that has already seen the movie so many times on bootleg that he hits the theater and repeats everything word for word as they say it? Yeah well answering like you are in the movies is right up there.
Then there are just the complete retards that figure the turn your cells off signs and the animated sequence before the movie doesn't apply to them just everyone else. I don't talk on the phone while I know my husband is really trying to concentrate on something he is watching. If the phone rings we either pause the movie, turn the ringer off or one of us takes the call to another room. It is common sense and only fair. I would not have anything that is bright or makes noise in a movie theater.
I am so glad that there is a drive in relatively close to me, I can't stand how on a whole we (society) treat each other so I prefer little to no social interaction with my fellow man. The only problem with the drive-in is my husband will not go near it until the next cold front.
Maybe part of it is that mobile tech came too far too fast but I think it is also a breakdown in society. I don't know that everyone has basic manners enough to apply them to mobile devices. I hold doors for people but see others do it rarely. I wait for everyone to exit an elevator before I get on but gotten trampled trying to get off one, my mom hated that one because I didn't pay attention and I would walk on before people got off. She would yank me back and tell me time and time again don't do that it is rude. She did it every time until I got it. I don't have great manners such but I try very hard not to bother people on a whole.
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Permalink Reply by leela42 on -
I've noticed this increased rudeness across society as a whole. I'm not the only one, either; I've read a number of articles etc. lamenting the same. A great book on the subject is Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, by Lynne Truss. It's a light, fun read, a wonderful validation for those who feel assailed by the world. Truss has also done her research and offers some interesting analysis as well.
I'm sensitive to noise in general and carry ear plugs with me everywhere I go. In addition, I'm particularly irked by people who blithely ignore their screaming or otherwise troublesome children while they destroy others' enjoyment of a movie or dinner out. And I just don't understand why someone would bring an infant to a movie. Loud noises, brightly flickering lights, hello??? I'd scream too if I was 8 months old.
On my part, I find it disturbing that not only is rudeness rampant, but many people seem to think it's cool to be rude, and in fact make rather a point and celebration of it. Reality TV offers ample evidence of this. Not to mention many internet forums, hehe.
People are often afraid to speak out about it, as well. I've done so in numerous instances where someone's behavior was blatantly rude and bothering everyone, only to have friends say, "I can't believe you did that! That was so rude!"
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Permalink Reply by Spindaddydad on -
People are often afraid to speak out about it, as well. I've done so in numerous instances where someone's behavior was blatantly rude and bothering everyone, only to have friends say, "I can't believe you did that! That was so rude!"
Every time I do that, it just makes it worse, and in fact, the person (people) takes offense that I would even THINK they should be quiet, much less that I said anything to them about it.
Welcome to the The Entitled Generation - a whole generation of kids who thinks it is entitled to whatever it wants.
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Permalink Reply by leela42 on
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Exactly! And incurring bodily harm is a distinct possibility, too.
I usually try to hold my tongue and make the best of things (and move or leave), but sometimes I can't help myself. I then rely on my Scorpio Glare of Death, which usually stands me in good stead.
I do this less these days, now that I don't run so fast, LOL.
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Permalink Reply by Spindaddydad on
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I then rely on my Scorpio Glare of Death, which usually stands me in good stead
LOL!! What would happen if you and I got locked up in a Scorpio Glare of Death match?
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