I have a ritual that I follow when I go to the cinema. And I don’t like it any other way.
Here are 5 of my habits at the movie theatre:
Arrive early
There are two reasons for this.
First is because I must find my seat, get comfortable and watch the previews. I love watching the previews. I don’t care if they’re random brand ads or trailers of upcoming releases. I do not like missing previews before the film.
Second reason is so I have enough time to go to the washroom: This is just so I can peacefully enjoy the movie experience without having to feel uncomfortable during the screening or having to rush during the interval.
Check my phone
Once I am on my seat, I check my phone for any important messages or notifications before the film begins. Mostly, there isn’t any (haha) and then I’m fully disconnected. My phone’s on silent and it’s in my purse. I will not touch it till the film ends.
Go alone
I haven’t done this in a while, but I absolutely love going alone to the cinemas, and that’s primarily because I don’t like speaking or be spoken to when I am watching a film. It’s one of my pet-peeves. Oh, and I will shush anyone else talking or disrupting the experience during the viewing.
Trip to the concession stand
Typically, I avoid buying popcorn or drinks at the start of the screening because I end up finishing them before the film even begins. So, I keep it for the intermission.
Stay until the end credits:
Sometimes makers will insert bonus scenes while the end credit roll to mess with the audience. I love catching those. But there are 2 more reasons why I like to stay till there’s a complete blackout … and I’ve shared this in a previously:
Firstly, it’s a way to network and find the right people who’ve worked on the film.
Ans second, most important reason for staying till the end credits is simply out of respect for the hard work of everyone involved in making a film.
Here’s a fun fact:
DID YOU KNOW – This concept of intermissions was earlier known as “Broadway Bladder” due to the “alleged need of Broadway audience to “use the restroom” every 75 minutes” so theatres incorporated these breaks.
Psychologically, intermissions also allow audience to pause, absorb the experience of the film, and it also gives theatres an opportunity to make more money. Basically, I’m their perfect target audience who uses intermissions as an excuse to buy over-priced snacks and spend more money.
