Martin Scorseseisn’t just one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, but one of the strongest advocates for the sanctity of the theatrical experience. In addition to supporting the works of other filmmakers, Scorsese has ensured that his films made for streaming platforms (The IrishmanandKillers of the Flower Moon) are given a wide rollout on the big screen. Although the theatrical market is in more danger than ever before as a result of the “streaming revolution,”Scorsese admitted in an interviewwith the film criticPeter Traversthat he has opted to stay home for many new releases.Scorsese has expressed his frustration with audiences that talk and text during a screening, and most cinephiles who go to the theater on a regular basis are likely to agree with him.
Disrespectful Audiences Are Ruining the Theatrical Experience
Going to see a new release has become a luxury, as the rising average ticket prices and expansion of streaming content mean that the average moviegoertreks out to the theater less frequently.Although the pandemic made it more comfortable for viewers to watch films at home, some audience members have turned to treating the theater like their living room. Complaints of talking, texting, andother disruptive behavior have skyrocketed.Negative experiences with audiences are a major reason why viewers decide to skip going to the theater entirely, as it was cited as amajor reason for theatrical disinterest.Given the fairly quick rate at which new releases are then made available on VOD services, audiences who want to pay attention to what they are watching shouldn’t be blamed for simply waiting until they can access a film in the comfort of their own home.
Unfortunately,theaters don’t always have the resources to promote rules about audience conduct, asonly independent chains like Alamo Drafthousehave strict, enforced guidelines about texting, talking, and arriving late.With many theaters shutting downand a series of layoffs within major chains like AMC and Cinemark, theaters are too short-staffed to have individual monitors that can report and respond to audiences that violate the stated policies. Some theaters have had to propose radical new ways to appeal to audiences, including increased restaurant servicesand “phone-friendly” screenings.It’s understandable that theaters have tried to broaden their audiences, but it is antithetical if that means irritating the base of regular customers who would prefer a more respectful environment.
The “Limited Release” Model Is Killing Cinema, Or Hadn’t You Noticed?
What gives??
Studios and Theaters Shouldn’t Promote Negative Audience Conduct
Rowdy audience behavior isn’t helped by studios and celebritiesthat have seemingly encouraged distracting behavior. Reports of audiences throwing popcorn at the screen duringA Minecraft Moviewerecalled “hilarious” by directorJared Hess.Cynthia Erivoencouraged audiences to sing alongduring screenings ofWicked: Part One, and the official social media account forDeadpool & Wolverinereposted videos taken by audiences in the theater that reacted to the big reveals. This has led to a change in the way that studios market their films,as Blumhouse recently held screeningsofM3GANthat encouraged audiences to use their phones during the screening to access bonus content. Although Scorsese was lambasted six years agofor calling superhero films “theme park rides,”it’s hard not to agree with him at this point; the type of idealistic moviegoing experience that he has spoken so eloquently about may only be possible for those who can attend a film festival. Unfortunately, attendance at festivals like Toronto, New York, Telluride, Sundance, and Cannes is reserved for those who can afford it; it feels as if film has become an art form like Broadway, in which it is only reserved for the privileged.
Gimmicks and distractions won’t save the theatrical market, as once this type of behavior is allowed, its proponents will simply ask for more freedoms. It doesn’t help that studios have done their best to dismay the role of critics, as advanced press screeningshave become dominated by influencerswho are there to produce content, and not talk about the quality of the film itself. It’s sad that someone as integral to the history of cinema as Scorsese is no longer excited about going to the theater, and it is up to audiences, studios, distributors, and theater owners to change his mind.
Killers of the Flower Moon
