Hum 3: Film Principles/ Film Appreciation
MOVIE THEATER ETIQUETTE
by Michelle Jones
Everyone knows how to watch a video. You get a bag of munchies, pop in a DVD or CD, hit "Play," sit back, and enjoy the movie. That’s it! Watching one of the films involves more than this. Watching these movies needs to be a thoughtful and concentrated experience to be beneficial.
To prepare for the experience, make sure there will be no distractions such as phones or others bursting in on you or somebody chatting while you’re trying to watch the film. You need to be able to focus your attention on the film. It is also good to watch the movie with one or more others with whom you are able to talk about personal things, such as your concerns and difficulties. After watching the movie it is important to reflect on what you saw and to discuss the film with those who viewed it with you. Reflect on or discuss your observations.
The films shown in class may not be the type you would normally watch. As you begin to view one you may quickly find that the movie is not your kind of entertainment. Remember, you are not watching this film for entertainment but for course work and personal growth.
A film can have different meanings to different viewers. Your life experiences, your personal issues and your emotional reaction will influence the meaning the film has for you. Allow yourself to feel the experience. If you find yourself identifying with a particular character or you see similarities between one or more of the people in the film and people in your life, allow yourself to witness the events as they unfold. Are the behaviors and choices made similar or different than those you and others in your life make? If they are different are they better choices? If they are better choices what gets in the way of your making the same? Be honest with your answers.
Somehow our society has progressed to a point where people have lost their common sense when it comes to viewing films. I’m not taking about those who whisper to each other all the way through the show or those that walk out when a film crosses some arbitrary line of “too much” sex or violence. I’m talking about the people who are really offensive and break all the rules of common decency when they enter a viewing room. For these people I present a brief lesson in movie theater etiquette.
1. Respect personal space. Do not ever sit directly next to someone you don’t know unless the viewing room is exceptionally crowded and you have no alternative. I can guarantee you that no stranger in the world wants to hear you crunch through your candy bar or slurp up the last bit of your P21.00 soft drink. For a room with a thin to moderate crowd use the two seat rule- two seats between you and the next person. For a room that is leaning toward the crowded side one seat will work.
2. Crying in the theater is reserved for exceptionally sad scenes only. This means that if you were silly enough to bring a baby or a toddler to anything other than a G rated movie you have to leave the instant they start whining or crying. No trying to console them or waiting to see if they will stop or trying to stall because you want to see the next dramatic scene. When your child starts making noise immediately rise from your seat and walk swiftly (with child in tow) to the exit. There is no exception to this rule.
3. Movies are a one-way entertainment. The actors on the screen act and we watch and listen. Only the other people in the audience hear you when you talk back to the screen. Although you may think that your comment to Harrison Ford or your critique of Gwyneth Paltrow’s accent are witty and humorous and that the rest of the audience will find them terribly funny, believe me when I tell you they do not. In fact, the moment that you speak, all other members of the audience start communicating on a telepathic level and they are all plotting your death.
4. Feet belong on the floor. Just because you don’t have to clean the seats in the theater or viewing room doesn’t mean you can plop your dirty shoes on the back of the chairs. Nobody wants to watch a movie over the tips of your shoes. Just nobody.
5. A ringing cell phone can break your mother’s heart. If you go to a movie and don’t turn off your cell phone you are either exceptionally rude or exceptionally stupid. Either way you deserve to be punished. If your phone rings and you choose to answer it instead of immediately turning it off, there is no doubt that you are a pawn of Satan who is deserving of being beaten to death. This will of course cause great pain and anguish to your mother and those who love you. Do everything in your power to prevent this from happening.
6. Credits. It is unethical to leave the theater while credits are flashed on the screen. As part of appreciating the skills and talent of actors, actresses, film crew, directors, photographers, it is imperative that the audience stay put on their seats at this time. Applause and standing ovations are done at this time.
If you find yourself incapable of following any of these simple guidelines please remember, you can stop attending this course at anytime during the semester (of course, with the consequence of getting an FD grade).
