Why Actually Go To The Theatre?
1) To Get Out of the House!
Who wants to spend their entire lives surrounded by the same four walls? Almost nobody! (Excluding agoraphobics, of course.) Yet, contemporary culture is constantly inventing convenient ways for us to stay put in our humble abodes instead of exploring the social possibilities that lie beyond our doors! Ok, that was a bit existential, but in all seriousness - is there anything we can’t have brought to us with the click of a mouse, or the dial of a phone? Yes. Social interaction! Oh, and chatting on Facebook or playing Xbox Live doesn’t count (though I know tons of people who would argue otherwise). There’s a lot to be said for vacating your comfort zone and going in search of kindred spirits, and the rewards are many. The opportunities to try new things, make new friends, and grow as a human being increase exponentially simply by immersing yourself in the culture around you. One of the easiest, and most non-threatening ways to do this is to go see a movie in a cinema! Try it! There are so many things the viewer can miss by simply downloading or renting a flick, which brings me to my next point...
2) It Engages All Of Your Senses!
Watching a movie isn’t just “watching a movie”. You do more than just see what is on screen when you go to your local cinema. You smell the popcorn before you even open the door, and don’t even try to argue that it tastes exactly like the microwavable stuff - you’re just lying to yourself. Once you get your snacks, you settle into a cozy seat next to a loved one and huddle together to share treats and conversation. The anticipation in the room reaches a breaking point just as the lights go down. Suddenly, you’re surrendered to the darkness for a brief moment of blind wonder and then BAM! The gigantic screen is filled with a sharp-as-knives image ten times the size of a city bus. The visual splendor is accompanied by a booming sound track, which will never have to compete with your neighbour's noisy truck, or the dog barking in the backyard. Once the credits roll, you’re on senses overload and feel completely satisfied with the full-body experience you’ve just been through. Try to achieve that while sitting on your couch squinting at a blurry, bootleg version of The Dark Knight!
3) You Don’t Have to Cry/Laugh/Scream Alone!
You know that bandwagon everyone is always condemning? Go ahead and jump on it! Let the tears roll, let out that belly laugh, and for goodness sake don’t cover your eyes! There is no need to be ashamed or bashful about the emotional roller coaster a film can take you on - everyone else in the theatre is strapped into the same ride. Isn’t a joke funnier when you know other people share your sense of humour? Isn’t it comforting to know that there are other sensitive souls out there, bawling over the same love story? And doesn’t it alleviate some of your anxiety to know that there are other people just as afraid of ghosts/zombies/werewolves as you are? Don’t hold back, share what you are experiencing with the world - other audience members having the same feelings will thank you for it by opening up and participating as well. And while we’re in a sharing mood, keep in mind that after the screening you will have the opportunity to share in...
4) Fresh Conversation With Loved Ones
Don’t you ever get tired of regurgitating cliched conversation starters like “How was your day?” or “Some weather we’re having, huh?” - they get old fast, but we stick to them when there’s nothing else to say. The shared experience of a trip to the movies is one of the easiest ways to strike up a conversation with friends or strangers. It’s no lie that “everyone’s a critic”, and people (no matter their age, gender, race, etc.) love to talk movies! Not only can you give your two cents about the acting, story, visuals, and heartthrobs, but films also open up interesting topics of theoretical discussion. Themes like love, life, death, honor, morality, and religion run rampant in film language and subtext. Take advantage of that by sharing a dialogue with your movie-going companion that doesn’t have to start with “Sooo....What’s up?”
And finally,
5) It Doesn’t Cost You an Arm and a Leg
True, ticket prices seem to always be on the incline, but consider this scenario: You and your significant other have a friday night free to spend in any manner you like, but you choose not to go to the movies because tickets are $12.50 a piece. Instead, you consider going to dinner ($50+), or renting a couple of flicks and buying some snacks at the video store ($20). Considering the experience you get for your dollar (take a peak back at points 1-4!), that night out at the cinema looks like a steal! Still not convinced? Skip only three of your $5 coffees during the week and there’s your movie ticket, and then some! Besides, you work/study hard during the week so why not indulge once in a while on a thoroughly delightful (and relatively cheap) form of entertainment? Movies are made for YOU - enjoy them!
*Whew* - I think I’ve made my (long-winded) point. Whether you’re a theatre regular, or a cinema newbie - there’s always a flick out there that will speak to your personal taste. Try something new, or stick with what you love - either way, don’t take public screenings for granted.
So come and check out some of the great experiences being offered between September 23rd and October 3rd at the Calgary International Film Festival. For your convenience, all of the film synopsis’, listings, times, and ticket sales have been made available online!
See You At The Movies!!!
