Three Etiquette Rules

The movies. For most people, it can be a great escape from reality. They enjoy a trip to a lightless auditorium to watch the latest film release, especially with all the distractions in life: cell phones, streaming services, socializing, etc. Being surrounded by darkness allows people to focus on the film’s story, the cinematography, character development and more. Recently, there has been an increase in annoying moments, which can be very disappointing.

To begin, you are sitting in the theater, watching the protagonist dashing for their life. The chase is on, and the bad guys are gaining slowly. It’s only a matter of time before they capture the hero and make them pay. Just when the leading person is about to meet their fate, the villain begins their monologue (as most villains do). Suddenly, an ear-splitting wail covers the speech, making the words inaudible. Someone has decided to bring their baby to the movies, and the child wants everyone to know it’s feeding time.

It is understandable that parents need to go out. Parents have films they want to watch and should be allowed to enjoy them when they can. In some cases, bringing their child is unavoidable. However, if you are going to bring your child to the movies, please take note of the following: the film is targeting children for the audience, or your child is fully aware of movie etiquette and follows it. If it is a family film (i.e. most Disney and Dreamwork's animation films, etc.), then a crying baby, or children talking is expected and accepted as part of the ambience. The expectation usually comes with the price of the movie ticket, so no complaints. On the other hand, why would you bring a baby to watch, “The Boogeyman?” The instant the wailing begins, the suspense is shattered. Have some respect for other film goers and keep your child at home (except for kids who follow etiquette).

When going to the movies, it is important to keep in mind: it’s a movie theater, not a restaurant. Personal conversation is a major no-no. A short whispered comment is acceptable, but when the audio level of your voice replaces the one on the screen, we have a problem. Many people are paying close to $20 to enjoy the on-screen characters talking, not you. That’s what coffee shops are for. If you have the dying urge to communicate with your friends, please remove yourself from the theater and proceed to the nearest Starbucks, restaurant, or any other area to hold your conversation.

Lastly, the annoying luminous glow of cell phones. I understand how it has become an essential gadget for human communication, but people need to keep it off when at the movies. With the advancement of technology, not only do we have to worry about light from a phone, but also watches. The theater has done everything it can to encourage other people to keep their cell phones off, but many people are insistent on using this disturbing device during a movie. This has become a large problem post-pandemic. Before 2020, there may have been one or two people who would turn on their phone during a film, currently it seems nearly one quarter of the viewers in the auditorium are looking at their phone during the movie. Nothing is more annoying than trying to concentrate on a film while someone’s phone has become the beacon of my gaze, pulling me away from the action on the big screen. If you are going to the movies: keep your cell phone off! Use the time to disconnect for 2 hours and be “in the moment.”

These are what most movie-goers expect when they visit the movies. Similar to you, everyone wants to be able to hear the movie it with no interruptions. Please share this article with other people to remind them of three simple rules of etiquette for film-going. See you at the movies.