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The Average Movie Theater Has Hundreds of Screens
theodp writes "The "average" movie theater reportedly has a capacity of 200-300 people. Which, thanks to the wonder of mobile devices, means that it also has hundreds of screens. And — thanks to Facebook, Twitter, and texting — hundreds of potential annoyances. Which prompts NY film critic David Edelstein to ask: How Should We Treat Texters and Talkers at Movie Theaters? 'Has our culture become so private that no one knows how to behave anymore in public?' Edelstein wonders. 'Is selfishness the rule rather than exception? Are people who say, "Shut up and turn off your phone" today's version of "You kids get off my lawn"?' Jason Bailey argues that the only way to solve movie theaters' talking and texting problem is to give in to it, perhaps with anything-goes phone-friendly talk-amongst-yourselves screenings in the seven and eight o'clock hours coupled with no-tolerance shows later in the evening. Any other ideas?" You could always throw it.
I'd probably just sit there and be quiet.
I've always liked the notion of enclosing the theatres in a faraday cage. In any new construction, it should be relatively cheap to include a mesh around the theatre itself -- and then you don't have to worry about people's manners. At least not as far as cell phones are concerned.
How can we continue to believe in a just universe and freedom to eat crackers if we have no ale?
Two words...Faraday Cage
"Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right" - Salvor Hardin
I've never seen it either, in 50+ years of life in three states. The theater I normally go to has a warning at the beginning that they will throw you out. Given that I have never seen anyone with a phone screen on there, I can only presume they mean it.
This is a trivial problem to deal with - for the theater management. They will quickly get a reputation of not tolerating that kind of idiocy, and as they do, for every texting asshole they lose as a customer, they'll pick up two or three who will drive the extra distance to get to a theater that enforces their rules. If it's a problem in the first place.
So is some dickhead is bothering your movie experience, complain to the manager. Immediately. Demand they either enforce their rules (and they have them) or give you your money back. And if they don't, make it clear they've lost a customer, and anybody else who you can tell about it.
If it's a problem in the first place. I've never seen it.
>"'Has our culture become so private that no one knows how to behave anymore in public?"
Yes it has. A large percent of the population are very rude regarding phones. And the younger the generation, the more rude.
This is hardly a novel problem. All manners of talking, noisemaking, and other disturbances have been problems in theaters for centuries; phones are simply another type of potential disturbance.
Yes, it is to some extent a cultural problem. I also think it tends to be a problem of lack of any enforcement of reasonable etiquette in theaters, perhaps from a concern for repercussions and retribution, but also, at least in many movie theaters, from a lack of staff.
But I think it is only through enforcement by venues, and cultural unacceptability, that disturbances like these can be minimized, especially in this case. I don't think anyone particularly wants to be in a theater full of other people on phones; the people who use them in theaters would likely be upset about others using them were they not using them at that particular time. There are already venues for watching movies on large screens while being able to talk and generally be more casual, and perhaps we could use more of those, but that's not the problem here: the problem are people who are selfish. If someone wants to be able to disturb others, but not be disturbed by others, then letting everyone cause disturbances isn't going to help: everyone will go to the no-tolerance shows, and become upset if they're thrown out.
>"If someone is bothered by a phone screen's brightness during a movie, it sounds like they aren't paying attention to the right screen."
And that is just a typical "everyone is like me" attitude. Just because it doesn't bother YOU doesn't mean it doesn't bother anyone else. This is one of the biggest issues with society- many people are simply unable to imagine that other people are more or less sensitive/annoyed by things. Even worse are the people who simply don't care that what they do annoys others because the world revolves around their own selfishness.
>"I haven't had that issue when people have taken out their phones to text or check the time."
It greatly depends on a variety of factors:
* How long it was used
* How bright the screen is
* How far away other people are
* How dark the theater is
* How dark the movie screen is at the time it was used
* How sensitive the people are around you
* How the phone is being held (this is a big one)
Generally, it is rude to use a phone at all in a theater because it has the great *potential* to annoy others around the user, just like talking does. I speculate 95% of the texting seen in theaters is totally unnecessary-it is not urgent or something that can't wait until after the movie. But to check the time or for an urgent text, the impact can be greatly reduced by:
* Doing it as quickly as possible
* Turning down the brightness
* Holding the device close to you and never facing in a way someone can see the screen
Why has “get off my lawn” become code for cranky senior citizen? What the fuck do those kids think they’re doing tearing up my meticulously-mown property, and why is it unreasonable to object to trespassers?
I mean, if you’re just picking up a wayward frisbee or something, fine, but other than that, unless I invited you, seriously, stay off my lawn.
The entire movie theater industry is dead.
Even if cell phones were eliminated (which in my experience have been more or less a non-issue in theaters) you've still got the fact that its $8 for a ticket and then $5 for a popcorn, $5 for a soda, $5 for a box of Junior Mints... Its simply too expensive for the 2 hours of (possible) enjoyment, especially when a couple of months later you can watch the movie on Netflix or pay $1 for it at Redbox. It used to be you could offset this by the fact that you were getting a higher quality picture and sound, but anymore a HDTV and surround sound are pretty common. 3D is simply a gimmick, its fun for a movie or two but doesn't really add much to the experience. I mean, other than for a midnight premiere, does anyone actually go to the movies anymore?
Taxation is legalized theft, no more, no less.
I put double sided sticky tape on my carpet for that authentic cinema feel.
>"Like I said, it hasn't bothered me when people do it"
I don't doubt it doesn't bother you (nor perhaps many other people), but not everyone is the same. Things that bother one person might not bother someone else at all (and in reverse). As a society, we have to understand that people are different and make a reasonable effort to prevent annoying others, even when it is not something that annoys ourselves.
I would support this. Just have the mesh around the theater rooms, rather than the whole building, and let people go out into the hallway if they need to make a call. If they to be available to receive a call, in case of an emergency or for work, then maybe they should go rent a movie instead.
No no no. People still need the ability to call 911.
Pretty sure we there was a time, not long ago where we were able to go out without constant ability to dial 911. If there is an emergency then you can easily go to the counter and have the staff call.
I would support this. Just have the mesh around the theater rooms, rather than the whole building, and let people go out into the hallway if they need to make a call.
Ditto for airplanes: just line the cabin, and let people step outside if they need to make a call.
Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
like this
You're an asshole, but you're a moderately funny asshole. That kind of makes up for being an asshole. But you're still an asshole.
Why? Did the world change so that now you need 200 phones able to call 911 immediately as opposed to walking out of the theater like everyone did before cell phones? Or were we in a pre-civilized barbaric society before cell phones removed all need for social manners? Yes, person next to you has a heart attack; stop the movie, turn on the lights, turn off the phone jammer; and simultaneously with using the phone ask if there's a doctor in the audience. Don't use a remote 911 possibility as an excuse to be an asshat, you're just answering the phone because you're addicted to it.
I have actually been at a movie premier, full theater, movie is actually running and past the opening credits, when the guy in front of me gets a phone call. After lots of shushing he says loudly enough for everyone to hear "I have to go, I'm in the middle of Star Trek". There is no possible way that the phone call can be that important. If someone is actually worried about some incredibly vital call, they should stay home and sit staring at the phone.
I was having dinner with an old friend of mine (I'm early 50's and he's early 60's). you might think its only kids (relatively speaking) who are rude and will break out their phones and start thumbing thru stuff while in the middle of a dinner conversation, but NO - here he was, dinking around with his stupid iGadget while I was trying to carry on a conversation with him. yes, it really annoyed me.
I don't do that to others. when I'm with someone, I won't whip out my phone and start messing around with it. not sure why people think this is the 'new normal'; its new but its still NOT polite and should not be considered acceptable social behavior.
its bad enough that you cannot find people walking on the street looking where they are going, anymore; they all look down and are thumbing thru their phones and wearing earbuds while walking. car drivers, too! I see so many people wearing earbuds while driving. so unsafe! but do they care? of course not.
I don't like the direction all this is going in. and I realize I'm in a tiny minority, on this subject matter ;(
--
"It is now safe to switch off your computer."
No no no. People still need the ability to call 911.
Leave the theater and call. The ability to call 911 from anywhere is not guaranteed, nor is it a right. But if it makes you feel better, they can put emergency hard line phones on the end of every row.
The ushers should escort the phone users from the theater. Stop the movie first and turn up lights so that everyone can see who it is and provide sufficient negative reinforcement. If you don't let the puppy pee on the carpet, then why not use the rolled up newspaper on the mentally incontinent as well?
It's good press though. Austin Drafthouse even use the outraged drunken phone call from an ejected patron as part of an advertisement.
I think they need an announcement on the screen at the start. Should read:
"Attention. Parolees from the state correctional facility are in this theater as part of a program to help reduce their unpredictable rage. For your own safety, please do not use your phone."
No. If you're so important you MUST leave the phone on during the movie, then maybe should wait for the Blu-Ray.
Stupid sexy Flanders.
No no no. People still need the ability to call 911.
They can do that out in the hall.
Be seeing you...
I just don't care, and I don't have a problem with it.
Neither do I, though, I haven't been to a movie in the theaters in many years. Before cell phones, they were already very loud, full of obnoxious teenagers, some guy with big hair and a loud laugh, and so many other annoyances that going to a movie theater is the last place I'd like to go to enjoy a film.
Someone flopped a steamer in the gene pool.
then why are you at the theater????
Really. You are paying $10 or more ... to play sudoku on your phone? When people are in a theater, why can't they just watch the movie? Or leave if they are bored? Are attention spans really that short?
Being jammed into a seat for 6 hours listening to multiple phone conversations would be hell on earth... or in the skies.
"Hell is other people" - Sartre
That is all.
Mod down people who tell people how to mod in their sigs
The current generation is taught through the education system a great deal about their rights, but very little about their responsibilities.
Consequently we get a very inward-focused generation with a false sense of self-entitlement and, rudeness in general.
"Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
I've only seen it once, and I only had to give the girl one warning. She called me a fucking asshole and told me to get the fuck out of her face, but she put the phone away and did not use it again. I almost complained to the management just for her language (this was a family movie), but decided just to let it go unless she pulled the phone out again.
However, I have also noticed that while the theater's pre-movie warnings used to be friendly, gentle reminders, they've changed to pretty stern warnings making clear that phone usage will not be tolerated and that offenders will be kicked out, not receive a refund, and potentially be asked never to return. So there has obviously been enough trouble to warrant the sterner warnings.
Come to think of it, I think that single incident was during the "friendly reminder" era.
Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.
Two part solution:
1) make it clear that cell phones and pagers must be kept OFF if taken into the theater. "You agree to hold harmless anyone taking your functioning phone or pager away from you, including any accidental or intentional damage to said device."
before we get to #2, 911 IN the theater room is not necessary. you probably can't call 911 when you're swimming in the public pool for example. It's not a civil right. If you think that it is, then I challenge you to force your local pool to find a way to accommodate this right. Cellular/landline access to 911 is only relevant when there are no other convenient ways to summon help. Being 40 feet from the theater lobby is NOT too inconvenient. I can probably sprint to the lobby faster than you can fumble for your phone in the dark and dial 911. Maybe you should insist on them leaving the lights on in the theater so you can dial 911 faster? Seconds count! now put that silly argument away.
2) theaters could offer a silent pager, similar to what you find at many restaurants. Check your cell phone or pager at the lobby and get a pager. If your phone goes off, they will vibrate your pager. Theaters should not be required to offer this, and would almost certainly charge for it to prevent half the theater from checking their phones. If you need to be on call 24/7, don't go to a theater that doesn't offer this service. (and don't go for a swim) There are some things you simply can't do if you're on call. You're probably being compensated for this inconvenience. Deal with it, it's not my problem.
I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
Well, then, you're probably an old fart, as am I. There seem to be a number of generational things less seen out and about these days - wrist and pocket watches, good manners, modestly good grammar, attention span, ability to focus or pay attention, fewer interruptions, knowledge of and respect and appreciation for quiet - and the capability for being quiet, for a few.
Thank God for loud movie sound! Its the only thing that drowns out the inane conversations of the "average American" who won't shut up even during a movie. Why can't people go just two fucking hours out of their day without talking?
So does some fsking common sense. Let's not drive cars. let's confiscate steak knives. Let's get rid of lawnmowers. Life is about risk management, not risk avoidance.
"Eve of Destruction", it's not just for old hippies anymore...
In an emergency, seconds count. They fucking count.
Which is why theatergoers died by the thousands before the invention of the cell phone. It's how movie theaters got the nickname "the popcorn mausoleums" back in the day. Back then, you put your life on the line whenever you wanted to see a movie, and since most of them were Roger Corman films and general Universal releases, most people felt it wasn't worth the risk and killed themselves afterward. Thankfully, with the invention of the cell phone, people could finally go see a movie without nearly as much risk of death, something that was literally impossible beforehand.
Most slashdotters *think* they are multitaskers. Turns out they are wrong.
You mean a good one. It's in everyone's best interests for that person to no longer be in the theater: the other theatergoers will no longer have their entertainment disrupted, the management will maintain a reputation for ensuring a quality experience, and the person who got kicked out will finally get to go take care of whatever it was that they thought was so important, without having to deal with the distraction of a movie or people around them telling them to stow the phone. Everyone wins.
You're the one who's checking his phone in the middle of a movie, but the other guy is the asshole?
Wow...
An overwhelming compulsion to check your phone just because somebody called you is not normal. It's, sadly, not particularly abnormal. But on the whole most people have the capacity to resist the urge. Unless your mother is in the hospital, or you're on the cusp of closing a million dollar account, I can pretty much guarantee you that it's not so important it can't wait 2 hours.
If you're checking your phone like that, I can also guarantee you that you're not the kind of person who would be worried about million dollar accounts. Not unless you had a diagnosed psychological disorder like ADHD. Success in life is strongly correlated with the ability to moderate your behavior. In fact, the capacity to delay gratification is more than correlated; on the whole its causative of increased wealth.
I have actually been at a movie premier, full theater, movie is actually running and past the opening credits, when the guy in front of me gets a phone call. After lots of shushing he says loudly enough for everyone to hear "I have to go, I'm in the middle of Star Trek".
Yeah, the obliviousness of some people to others knows no bounds. I was once at an opera, where everyone had paid at least 4-5 times what one pays per person to go to the movies (and many quite a bit more), and the guy in the row in front of me -- in the middle of the opera -- answers his phone after it rings and begins talking loudly: "Hello!? Yeah. I'm at the opera! [speaking louder] I said I can't hear you, because I'm at the opera!!"
Everyone for rows around was glaring at this guy. At this point, a seeming stranger next to the guy (who had been shushing him) yanked the phone from his hand and turned off, then handed it back.
And sometimes the effect simply destroys the entire event. I was at a symphony concert a few years back where a 90-minute piece ended with a slow gradual dissolution of the music, gradually getting softer and softer, fading away over a period of some 10 minutes. (Some people may find such a thing boring, others sublime, but obviously most people at such a concert probably are closer to the latter.)
Most people here had probably paid at least 10 times what a movie ticket costs... a couple thousand people in the hall. For the last few minutes of the concert, you could have heard a pin drop (almost literally).
About 3 minutes before the end of the piece, a cell phone starts going off loudly. It keeps going off -- for about a minute as a guy in the fifth row from the front or so gets up and actually works his way out of the hall (these rows were not spaced to allow people to pass while everyone was seated, so it took some time)... all the while with phone blaring.
The concert was completely ruined for the orchestra and the entire audience -- the profound effect of the music was lost.
This event was so notorious that it actually got written up in major newpapers. If I remember correctly, the guy actually came forward (anonymously) and apologized -- explaining that he had just received an iPhone as a gift in the past couple days, had someone else put it into "sleep" mode, had it on vibrate, but somehow had mistakenly set an alarm... which he didn't realize could sound aloud even when the phone was on vibrate or "asleep." When it sounded, he was too unfamiliar with the device to figure out how to make it stop.
Since that event, I ALWAYS turn my phone and any other devices COMPLETELY OFF at important events. An accidental alarm or other noise just isn't worth ruining an experience for thousands of other people who may have paid hundreds of dollars each.
A movie theater may not quite be like this, but a similar etiquette principle applies on a smaller scale.
No. They just shouldn't do it while they're on call.
If they can't be incommunicado for a couple hours, they should stay home and watch Netflix, or take a jog in the local park.
Sneaking into a midnight showing with your phone turned on "just in case" is discourteous (in the extreme) to fellow theater patrons.
Yeah it's "only" a $10-20 ticket. So what?
If you buy a burger at McDonalds and someone comes by, grabs it, and smashes it into a pulp before dropping it back on your tray, is that okay? The burger is still edible.
Going to the theater, you're paying for atmosphere and presentation. Some jackass yakking on his phone or texting incessantly at full brightness ruins that.
Chas - The one, the only.
THANK GOD!!!
I'll bet dollars to donuts that he's done this in the past
I'm a minority race. Save your vitriol for white people.
Or a sign that says "This theater is equipped with phone jamming. If your phone rings during the movie, a member of staff will come and jam it somewhere."
An SQL query goes to a bar, walks up to a table and asks, "Mind if I join you?"
You do realise that the older generation has been saying versions of this complaint about the younger generation for all of human history, right?