Movie Theater Etiquette

The cinema. It just means more. Whether it be at your local AMC at the mall, or maybe an underground “old school” drive in, or maybe a ritzy theater that serves a full course meal with your film, the theater just means more. There is just an element of “going to the movies” that simply cannot be replaced with the numerous options available to us via the tsunami of 2022 streaming.

There are different aspects of going to the movies that appeal to everyone in a unique way. For some, going to the cinema is the ultimate form of social bonding. Experiencing film with friends and family, not to mention with the rest of the audience, can be the ultimate jolt for someone with extroverted proclivities. Conversely, the cinematic experience can be a form of “escapism”. A reprieve from the day to day bustle of work life, a reprieve from the unrelenting torrent of political hostilities, or even, an outlet to experience a movie without the presence of other human beings for a couple of hours.

For me, my favorite aspect of the movies is procedural. I love the process of going to the movies. I enjoy knowing earlier in the week of future cinematic plans, and I also enjoy spontaneously embarking on a “movie quest”. I love the anticipation of the drive to the theater. I love the ambiance of the theater lobby, the distinct smell (and sounds) of popcorn crackling. I enjoy walking into my specific auditorium and immediately being immersed in a new world, distinct from the chatter of the lobby and concession stands. I appreciate the walk to my assigned seat, or sometimes, albeit rare, the walk to find *any* available seat. It is imperative that this process is completed before the trailers begin showing, because, once again, viewing the trailers before a movie is an essential part of my movie theater experience. Finally, I love getting to experience the actual movie! Simply put, you can correctly classify me as a cinephile of the highest degree.

Obviously, it goes without saying that not everyone has the same movie going experience as me. That is perfectly good! One of my favorite qualities about movies is that each person is free to enjoy different aspects of the cinema. However, there are certain, shall we say, “ways to enjoy”cinema that are impediments to others enjoying their unique movie experience. I’m going to highlight five clear tenets of “movie theater etiquette” that, when followed, make the "cinematic experience" more enjoyable. These etiquette rules have been formulated from personal experience, common sense, and a general understanding of how to behave oneself in a public setting. Some of these violations are minor inconveniences (still not ideal), and some violations are so egregious that they actually alter the film itself. Whatever the case, decent movie goers should strive to abide, or least attempt to abide, by the guidelines. With that being said, let's take a look at an obvious etiquette rule for our first example.

(1) Phone Usage Should Be Limited

The first “etiquette rule” is quite a loaded one. I’m not naive to the fact that every human on planet earth possesses a smartphone. I’m also not naive to the fact that it is probably unreasonable to completely “prohibit” phone usage during the course of a film. However, it is completely reasonable to expect movie goers, *while the film is in progress*, to limit their phone usage as much as possible. Anything prior to the movie beginning is fair game (trailers included). However, once the feature film has commenced, the phone does not need to play a prominent role in anyone's experience. The most egregious violation of this rule would be participating in an active phone call during the movie. Most people aren’t this deranged, however, a sneakily common major violation is phone usage that is extremely bright. If you are going to break this etiquette rule and check your phone during the film, at least have some decency to be discreet and turn your brightness down. It is quite disorienting, and annoying, to have to view hoards of miniature UFO’s on the front row because you just HAVE to check Facebook. In all reality, this rule is really the easiest of the five to follow. Do everything you can to avoid your phone during the movie, and if something really important pops up, just step into the lobby to address things.

(2) The Theater Is Not Your Personal Daycare

This one really gets me going. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to bring a baby or young child into an environment that is obviously not suited for their needs. A movie theater, especially one that is showing material meant for teens or adults, is most definitely not the correct environment. However, without fail, babies are continually being shoveled to those movies, and subsequently causing a rather loud scene. This goes without saying, but in no way is it the *child* causing the interruption, rather, it is the abject selfishness of the parent that causes the disruption. You don’t get to sabotage the movie experience of others because you really wanted to see “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and just didn’t get a babysitter for little Timmy. Just simply show courtesy to those around you, AND courtesy to your child and find other solutions.

(3) Talking During Movie

I have no issue whatsoever with explicitly interacting with the movie. In fact, I think that is fun! Whether that be laughing at a comedy, shouting during a jump scare, or even audibly gasping at Johnny Knoxville doing unspeakable acts of torture to his penal area, all of those expressions enhance the overall movie going experience. However, just as with all things, there are clear lines that shouldn’t be crossed. For example, obnoxiously adding your own personal commentary on a *scene to scene* basis is not good for anyone. Another example, and a common one, is loudly engaging in conversation unrelated to the movie. I, or frankly anyone, don’t need to be privy to your personal affairs while I’m enjoying a critical plot moment. My personal favorite game to play at the movies is an intense round of the “quiet game” for a couple hours

(4) “Edginess”

Trust me when I say this, you aren’t breaking any social barriers by intentionally sabotaging or “creating a scene” at the movies. Opening theater doors and shouting expletives, or having a UFC fight night with a stranger isn’t entertaining or amusing. In fact, it is very illuminating when you express your subterranean IQ for the whole world to see. Don’t be “edgy”. You don’t come off the way you think you do. Show some decency.

(5) Pick Up After Yourself

Lastly, just do the right thing and clean up after yourself. The auditorium isn’t your personal dumping grounds, and you are not a barnyard animal. Leave the seat the way you entered, and dispose of your personal trash. I promise that the trash container will be just near the exit, and you won’t even have to break your stride! Trash doesn’t magically disappear through a time warp under your seat, a worker (likely minimum wage) will get on their knees to clean up your mess. Just be reasonable, that's all.

That’s all I got. Now go catch a movie at your local theater…