In my university course (film studies), we talk a lot about the idea of the death of cinema, the struggles and changes within the industry--an industry that makes so much money while simultaneously loses a shit ton regularly. Going to the movies isn't a regular pastime for many people anymore. I know one reason myself, and most others, don't often go is because it's expensive. Sanne and I went specifically today because it's cheap ticket Tuesday at Vue cinemas in London. Cinemas in the US and UK are shutting their doors all the time. And it's not surprising because how many times have you walked into your screening to find it almost completely empty.
But going to see The Host tonight reminded me how much I really enjoy going to the movies. Sneaking in snacks in your purse. The weird patterned carpets in the corridors. Bad bad bad trailers. And the screen size – there is something magical about experiencing a movie that way. Maybe it's because I don't get to go often. It's become this treat on a pedestal for me.
What's the last movie you saw in theatres? Do you go often? I am definitely guilty of the it's-way-more-convenient-for-me-to-laze-in-bed-and-watch-something-on-LoveFilm.
10 comments
The last movie I saw was The Hobbit, and it was alright, but I felt kind of dizzy (probably because of the way they filmed it). But I usually love going to the movies. Even when I worked at the theatre I loved the atmosphere of it (and free movies of course). But it's so expensive that I'll only go if I'm dying to see the film, otherwise I'll just rent something or watch netflix :-/
ReplyDeleteI do love going to the cinema and seeing a film. The last one I saw was Spring Breakers, which was definitely an experience on the big screen. I don't go often, though, because of the whole expensiveness thing. I've seen a lot more plays than films recently. I live in Philly and the theatre here is usually much better than anything that's been in cinemas recently, with the exception of the awards-season films. I do most of my movie-going in December/January for that very reason.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! Going to the movies is so much fun, but when you're a student, it gets too expensive to go often. Plus, I find that I get too busy, and then too tired, to go out when I could watch something online without bothering with looking nice.
ReplyDeleteI think the last movie I saw there was Gangster Squad :)
Go to the Prince Charles! If you buy a membership movies are like £4. Right now I don't really have time to go out much because I'm in my last semester of uni but I love going to the movies.
ReplyDeleteI probably go to see more plays than films, but I still go fairly regularly- maybe once or twice a month? I enjoy the experience, and I always go on a Wednesday to the Odeon for 2 for 1 Orange Wednesday, so including snacks and a train fare, it comes to under £10. I think it's a nice treat, and really immerses you in the film, even if it's just a crappy romcom. And even though it's not the most social of activities, it's nice to talk about the film over a coffee with friends afterwards. The last film I saw in the cinema was I Give it a Year, which was actually really funny. Really want to see The Host though!
ReplyDeleteKatie xx
http://thegravityandshe.blogspot.co.uk
I love love love going to the movies. Mostly because of the reasons you mentioned, that special ritual with snacks, trailers, etc. I think more people should skip their regular starbucks a couple of times a week and spend the money on a movie ticket. it's just so much more worth it. the price, khm khm, yes, it's insanely expensive, I still remember those painful 14 pounds I spent on the Beginners in London. but I won't stop going to the movies no matter the price. we spend much more on things that are not worth the money. and you don't need to go every week. besides, there are some movies that are just too good to be watched at home on your laptop screen *all ryan gosling's movies*
ReplyDeleteone more thing and I will finish my rambling: the only disadvantage of cinema (besides the price) is stupid idiots who don't understand the concept of whispering or sitting quietly. because of them me and my friends decided on not going to cinema from thursdays till saturdays, there's just too many of those then who wouldn't shut up no matter how many times you shush them.
The last movie i saw in theaters was Oz: the great and powerful.
ReplyDeleteOften times i wish i could go to the cinema to see more things, but it is too expensive, and there often times aren't things i really want to watch and i'd rather watch something again on netflix that i love rather than something that i already don't like. I want to say "they should just make better movies" but that really isn't the case most of the time, i just don't like things. I can recognize a good movie, but that does not mean i have to like it (there are wayyy too many movies like this).
I usually go to the cinema about twice a month, it's not as expensive where I live and we have a 2-for-1 discount which helps a lot... I thought it was a bit pricey until I studied in England, cinemas are too expensive in the UK, it's crazy! I once spent about 10 pounds on a ticket and I think I'm still not over it. It's a shame, I do love the whole cinema experience - though I must agree I also tend to stay in bed with my laptop. It's so convenient to be able to watch films when wearing pyjamas...
ReplyDeleteThe last film I saw at the theatre was The Host as well.
I might be single handedly keeping my local cinemas in business. There is one in particular that I visit so regularly the nightly manager knows me by name. I feel like there is an aura at the theater - as you mentioned, for most people going to the cinema is so rare these days, so when they do go it's because they really wanted to, and as a result the enthusiasm is really catchy. AND I must agree that watching anything on screens that large just makes it 1000x better.
ReplyDeleteThe last movie I saw in theatres was last week, a french movie called Polisse. I try to go often to the cinema, at least twice a month, I love it, and with student discount costs something like $40 mx pesos (ha, I just converted it: £2.2, SO CHEAP!). I know is bad for the business that sometimes the screenings have few people, but I love talking with my friends during the movie and when the theaters are packed I can't.
ReplyDelete