The 25th Frame
Theatre, movies, television -- they're all communal events, people!
I know what you're thinking. “Hey Max. We hadn't heard from you in awhile. Seems like Ryan and the others finally came to their senses and gave you the 'ol HEAVE (get it?) ho from the site, and we would be spared your ridiculous diatribe once and for all”.
Not so, young sprockets (the hell is a sprocket, by the way?). No. Like a virus that just won't go away (*cough* Dane Cook! *cough*), I have returned to you from the hell that was midterms.
Fun fact since we last talked! I learned that my maternal grandmother once shot a guy in the 80s! Neat, huh? Don't worry, the guy didn't die...but she did get four shots in him. Now I know where my great marksmanship comes from.
Guys and gals, I would like to talk about crowds. What does that have to do with film? Is it not obvious? Seriously, if you cannot figure it out, I wish you luck and a speedy recovery. Recently, I interviewed for an internship with Music Box Films, a distribution company based out of the Music Box Theatre here in Chicago. As I walked with my prospective boss around the theatre, I couldn't help but be giddy at being in a theatre in the style of Music Box (giddy is often the word I associate myself with when it comes to vintage theatres).
Actually, a theatre does not have to be vintage for me to love it. It just has to show movies. As much as I love movies (believe me, I do) I also love the crowds that come with them. That's right. I actually love movie crowds; no matter their size. Such a statement sounds like pure insanity and in the right circumstances (*cough* "Twilight!" *cough*) could induce a severe state of psychosis. However, I can't deny the energy that comes with a crowd of people sitting in a dark room, watching a movie spool out for the first time.
Such recent examples of films that were definitely an experience that could only be had in a theater ranged from “Antichrist” (when Dominick leaned over to me and said he felt like he survived a war) to “Iron Man 2," when every fanboy jumped up in the theatre going “that was awesome!" Could I have experienced these reactions in the privacy of my own home?
It probably would be bizarre if Dominick or the fanboys showed up outside my door with their respective comments after I had viewed each movie.
I try to imagine what it would be like to watch a blockbuster like “The Dark Knight” or even “Avatar” for the first time, alone and away from others seeing them for the first time. It's just not the same as opening night, when everyone is viewing them for the first time. The former method of viewing has it's appeal, but loses much of the impact that comes with new releases. It's a mob mentality perhaps, but no harm in that.
Unless it's a Will Ferrell movie. Society had better start stocking up on canned goods if this is a recurring theme (though I think that part of film history is thankfully dying). When you play through an awesome video game from start to finish, you have the option to replay it. But nothing is going to beat that sense of wonderment from the very first playthrough. The same can be said for the film viewing experience.
So what is there to really lose in sharing that experience with others? It's a grander stage to set your first experience on. Aren't you impressed I haven't made a virginity joke yet? Mind you, when I say “others”, I mean people who do not talk the entire length of the movie, bring their crying babies, those crazed islanders from the other side of the island in “Lost,” or get it on in aisle 15, seat 13. Seriously, who gets it on during “Sweeney Todd”?!
In a sense, theatre viewing reminds me of any kind of sporting event. The kinetic rush of a great play or the collective “Dammit!” when it doesn't work out for your team. The same type of feeling can be applied to a crowd in a movie theatre; except with less food and alcohol being thrown in the air (depending on where your theatre is located). If the movie is any good (please God) the crowd as a collective will become as invested in it as they would at other crowd intense activities. When that kind of collective experience is possible, why shut it out? There's nothing really to lose; other than your $12 if the movie ended up sucking. At least you can share in the pissed off mood with those around you.
Regardless, the experience of watching a movie in a crowd, whether the setting be a theatre or a party at home, is one to relish. The movie goes from being a solo experience to an instrument of connection, banding all those viewing it together for a brief point in time. How they come out on the other end of that time is the fun part. I dare say such an experience has influenced many working filmmakers today to go into their profession. To create such an atmosphere is a massive exercise and requires remarkable skill to be good at.
However, the end result cannot be denied. Especially with that massive, theatre sized deep sigh that comes at the end of a particular affecting movie or the buzz that rings in the air of a blockbuster bound for good word of mouth.
Life's a stage folks. Better to be on it in good company rather than on your own. In the long run, at least.
Posted by Max Alborn, Max Alborn on May 17, 2010 @ 12:00 am
