Following the spate of news stories surrounding cinema etiquette, off the back of the Empire Cinemas etiquette guide, and a conversation I had with Nev Pierce from Empire Magazine on Twitter this morning, I've decided it's time to lay out the rules, as I see them, for cinema goers.
There are probably more, there are always special circumstances and I might just be irrational but here goes;
1. Don't be late.
If you are seeing a new film in a chain cinema or similar you are guaranteed to have a fair few adverts and previews between the advertised start time and the actual start time. Some people don't want to see these (not sure why, previews are amazing) and therefore turn up well after the advertised start time. That's fine, that's your prerogative, but don't turn up 10 minutes into the film. Not only are you ruining it for yourself, missing the character introductions, plot setups, etc. but you are also disrupting the other patrons when trying to find your seat, taking off your coat, getting settled, etc.
2. Be prepared
Everyone likes a snack and a drink in the cinema, it's practically the law of going to see a film, but please try to get everything ready before the title card. If you've got a bottle of fizzy drink, break the seal to get rid of that initial pop and fizz sound, if you're tucking into some sweets open and rustle the bag as soon as you are settled. It's a little thing but it makes everything a bit nicer for the other people around.
3. Be a little anti-social
There is no need to check emails, Facebook, Twitter, text messages and so forth when you are watching a film. You may think it's a harmless glance at your phone, but for other people in the darkened room it's a bloody great beacon of light, catching our eye and distracting us from what is happening on the screen.
4. Whisper
Surely, this is an obvious one? There are times in any film that you have a comment to make, or a question to ask. That's fine, lean over and whisper it to your viewing companion. Don't use your outdoor voices. Don't even use your indoor voices.
5. Posing is unnecessary.
At least 4 times this year I have seen people take pictures in the cinema. That's fine, if the film hasn't started, or has already finished. I'll put my hands up and say I've done it myself, many at time, at cinematic events (PJ Parties, Secret Cinema, any PCC event) but the second the BBFC rating card appears on the screen, those things stop. It's quite distracting when people are moving about in their seats to get a good angle for a photo, or setting off flashes in the dark.
6. Try and stay still.
I'll admit, I am a little guilty of this. I'm a fidget. Always have been. Sitting in the same position for 2 hours is not something my body reacts well to, but when I move in the cinema I try to do it as gently and quietly as possible, so as not to distract other people. If you've sat down and your skirt is all bunched up underneath you (we've all been there) then get used to it, don't stand up in the middle of the film to smooth yourself down, then sit back down again. It's annoying.
7. Know the atmosphere.
All of the above rules apply in most cinematic situations, but there are times when things change a little. If you're at a sing-along, quote-along, marathon, PJ Party, Classic film screening, etc. there might be new rules.
If you've been encouraged to shout out, sing, dance, comment, Kermit flail, etc. then by all means break the rules and join in. Don't be that person that goes to a quote-along event and complains that other people shouting things out ruined the film for you. There is no sympathy here.
Rant over. Sit back and enjoy the film. Just please don't do anything that will stop other people enjoying it!
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