Movie Manners courtesy of Cinema Sightlines

posted by Michael Zoldessy on December 20, 2006 at 8:15 am

Since movie manners have been brought up a lot lately in a number of pieces on this site, I thought it would be good to visit one of the pioneering voices on this subject, Cinema Sightlines. TJ Edwards wrote an article on it over 10 years ago which has since been imitated but never duplicated. Here is the opening:

Going out to movies has become a rare event for many of us. Is it because of high prices, lackluster theatres, bad presentation, or bad movies? Yes, all of the above … but not entirely. What most of us like least about viewing movies in public is … the public! How often have you had an expensive visit to the movies ruined by the inconsiderate behavior of others? Has your “Cinema Paradiso” become “Cinema Masochismo?”

It happens nearly every time I go the movies. After paying at least $10 to sit in a lackluster cinebox, plus another $11 for cold popcorn and warm soda, I try to enjoy a long-anticipated film. I have arrived early to find a good seat. Inevitably, just as the film begins, someone will come in with big hair, a big head, or a big mouth, who’ll bypass numerous empty seats to park directly in front of me. If the theatre has stadium seating, they will sit directly behind me with their feet on the back of my seat.

To read the full article, go to Cinema Sightlines. Soon, there will be even more information on Cinema Sightlines chronicling the moviegoing experience so keep your eyes out!

Feel free to give your thoughts on any other movie manners not discussed, if you’ve had similar experiences, or how we should deal with offenders?