Picture Purity
Here's a question that's been rolling around in my head for a while: how do you take your movie? I'm one of those people who likes their movie-watching experience in a very particular way.
- I don't like people making a running commentary
- I don't like it when people ask questions
- I try to make sure that I can see a film in it's entirety in one sitting
- I need to be in the proper mood for a film
- Don't watch it with me if you're not interested (going on the computer, falling asleep)
- Don't tell me about what's going to happen
posted by Wicked Little Critta at 7:20 PM
10 Comments:
While wondering whether you wrote this post because you had something against someone in particular (who ruined a film for you), I will say that with me it depends on the context.
Going to see a movie at the cinema means a more social experience, but given the noise around and the inferior, uncontrollable environment I don't get as much of a kick out of the film. It works for a comedy, where having lots of people around you laughing with you enhances the punch, but that is it.
For critical watching nothing beats my setup at home. It's not expensive or anything, but it's well calibrated and I just know how to get the most of it, which enables me to disconnect and dive into the film (as you've said, the occasional interruption - phone calls and such - are quite a pain).
When I watch a film for the second time or more I do tend to become the talkative person you despise. I also tend to note other things in the film, with the plot being less important to follow. That's when I learn most about the film, but anyway - I'm straying.
I would say I pretty much agree with your points. Although I do at times find myself commiting the acts that I find so annoying. I.E. My dad was watching the Godfather and since I have never seen it I kept on asking who was who, because I came in at the middle of the movie. But generally what annoys me is.........
1) watching without subtitles
2) people falling asleep although they are convinced they stayed awake through the whole thing
3) Other people trying to talk to you who aren't watching the movie
I agree with most of your complaints, WLC, with this exception: A running commentary can be fun if a) all parties have already seen the movie and aren't trying to catch the plot/dialogue or b) it's a particularly bad movie and it's generally agreed that the movie needs to be MST3Ked (or some combination thereof).
And this re-emphasis: Question-asking during movies is particularly egregious, because many times the questions asked are things that will obviously be revealed later on or, more frustratingly, many times the answer to said question is being given on-screen even as a person is asking it. If questions are to be asked, the movie must be paused.
I agree in general, however--which is good for us. And I think that what all these rules have in common is that we take movies seriously, and want to honestly allow them to take us to another world. We want to appreciate all the richness of a filmmaker's work, and when we're watching with another, we want that person to be appreciating all the richness as well.
LOL, this post reminds me in particular of one thing, and one thing only. Last year, when WLC and I went to see Casino Royale, there were thses 2 older ladies behind us, and like clockwork, every 45 seconds.
"Ugh!"
"Oh My Gosh......" (in annoying monotone)
"This is the worst movie ever...."
Now, Casino Royale is so ridiculously entertaining that it didn't spoil it too much, but that type of thing typically drives me up the wall. WLC sharply observed that "card playing, action, and killing are kind of a given in a James Bond movie, so it's not like they shouldn't have known what to expect." But commenting on the film loudly just increases ones Mook Factor, especially if they're condemning it.
Yes, that was definitely bothersome! Unfortunately, even though it was such a "bad movie," the commentators lasted through the entire thing. They should've just gone to see Happy Feet instead.
My mother is one of those that typically breaks the movie-watching rules. When she doesn't know what's going to happen, she asks about it, and it never fails that she tries to predict everything before it unfolds. "(Gasp) Oh, he's going to kill her!" or "She did it!! Get her!!" But then, she also faithfully reads the last three pages of any book before she starts it. I don't understand her!
But you guys are right, comments and questions are more acceptable on repeat viewings.
well, i don't really do social movie-watching anymore, but i don't like it when people talk at all during a movie that i'm seeing for the first time. it irritates me when people are doing something else while watching a movie, i.e. not really interested, especially if it's a movie i love. i HATE it when the phone rings during a movie, because i am incapable of not answering it. i never watch just a part of a movie, either. if i can't watch all of it in one sitting, i'd rather not watch it at all.
I tend to be one of the people who talks (don't hate me!), but not in the theater and not if people ask me to stop. The reason for this is that I'm a film studies major and am fascinated by things such as really great camera angles or special effects and want others to share in my excitement. If they're not interested, though, I'll shut up. I also like to have my computer nearby because if I recognize an actor and can't remember where I've seen them, it will drive me crazy until I figure out where it was. So, I frequently check imdb during movies, but usually only when I'm watching alone. My pet peeves are:
1. The phone going off and interrupting the movie.
2. People asking me what the outcome of a suspenseful situation/the entire movie is when I've seen it and they haven't. I want them to wait and find out on their own. It's much more fun that way.
3. People who aren't watching the movie talking loudly nearby without consideration of those watching the film.
In general, I tend to watch movies alone on my laptop with headphones on so I can enjoy the movie my own way. I can tolerate watching movies in groups, but I hate distracting background noise.
hi, cinderbelle! welcome to our little circle.
that's interesting; i've never seen the approach of "always have a computer ready to run IMDb if necessary." i myself have that mindset sometimes, but i have to wait till the movie's over to satisfy my curiosity.
I definitely understand the interest in actors and special effects, etc. Typically, after I watch a film I like to process it with the people I've just watched it with. So if anything stands out or interests me I'll mention it then and open up discussion.
I think personally, the worst offense is the person insisting on knowing what happens. Clearly, you're not supposed to know yet! Deal with it!
Post a Comment
<< Home