For some reason I always seem to have exactly the kind of people around me in the theater that Ebert describes, whether the movie is a sophisticated one like "2001" or just your ordinary Hollywood junk. And I've heard others complain about the same thing.
Going to the movies used to be a very special thing (at least to me). The big screen, the darkness, the comfortable seats, the sound, fresh popcorn... These days, you can get almost all of these things at home, sans annoying people making phone calls in the row behind you. Movie lovers now often prefer to spend their money on home entertainment system, even though they'd have to go a lot of movies until they've spent the same kind of money.
Does anyone have a theory why this changed? I mean, the experience of seeing a movie in a theater? Or is it just me?
I think that movies used to be a viewing event. Now, they're a social event. They're where you go when Micky D's or Chipotle is too bright.
Recently, I've read (not confirmed to me) that some theatres have developed problems with bedbugs. That's the final nail in the coffin, for me. I'll stay home, where I can still have an undisturbed viewing experience and, ya know, like, actually enjoy the film.
For some reason I always seem to have exactly the kind of people around me in the theater that Ebert describes, whether the movie is a sophisticated one like "2001" or just your ordinary Hollywood junk. And I've heard others complain about the same thing.
Going to the movies used to be a very special thing (at least to me). The big screen, the darkness, the comfortable seats, the sound, fresh popcorn... These days, you can get almost all of these things at home, sans annoying people making phone calls in the row behind you. Movie lovers now often prefer to spend their money on home entertainment system, even though they'd have to go a lot of movies until they've spent the same kind of money.
Does anyone have a theory why this changed? I mean, the experience of seeing a movie in a theater? Or is it just me?