Were ‘movie manners’ another casualty of COVID? Here’s a refresher some of you need
Q. For my husband and me, actually going to a movie theater is more fun and the movie more memorable. We didn’t do a lot of that during and even after COVID. As a matter of fact, we have just started returning to the theater this summer.
We both immediately noticed there is a different atmosphere, though. It’s like “movie manners” have flown out the window. People are talking loudly during the movie. That’s not to say people didn’t talk before in the movies, but it was a very quiet whisper most of the time. There is a lot of running in and out to go to the restroom, I guess, and get food from the snack bar. Then instead of taking drink cups and popcorn containers out with them to throw in the trash can, we’ve seen them left on the floor where they have been sitting. I’ve heard loud burping and even some other gross body functions.
Not certain what is happening or has happened, but perhaps if you addressed this subject in one of your columns, it might get some attention and help make things more civil in the movie theater.
A. Thank you for your comments on this subject. You are not alone in what you have noticed. Movie manners and consideration for others have been deteriorating.
Some of this deteriorating can possibly be attributed to the fact that people were confined to their homes during COVID and “forgot” how to act properly in public, but I feel it can also be attributed to the fact that casual dress has almost “taken over the world” and it has been found that when someone dresses more casually, they act more casually and treat others more casually. This “casualness” often means not showing the proper respect for others.
Included in that “not showing proper respect for others” can be witnessed not only at the movies, but also at grocery stores, drug stores and during general shopping in department, hardware, and boutique stores.
Stories on the news and in the newspapers about unruly and wild, disrespectful passengers sounds like, and no doubt, is a nightmare. Therefore, without further ado, here is a review of proper manners and etiquette for movie goers.
Tickets: Reserving, paying for, and printing your tickets in advance saves time; however, there may still be a line to get to the individual who takes your ticket and directs you to the correct theater. There may also be a line if you decide to purchase your tickets at the theater or pick up tickets. Therefore, do not invade the personal space of the person in front of you – in other words, do not get too close to them; maintain at least 12 inches in between you.
Maintain an in-door voice in any conversations, which means do not talk loud! Be especially kind, considerate, understanding and respectful of the individual taking your ticket because this person may have a personal handicap of some kind which may require a little more time to take your ticket and give you directions to your theater.
Purchasing Snacks and Beverages: Again, it is likely there will be a line; therefore, maintain the proper space between you and the person in front of you in the line.
Also, have an idea or make a decision as to what you want to purchase before you get in line. There is nothing more frustrating than having a person in front of you who cannot make a decision on what they want to purchase and takes an inordinate amount of time doing so.
Also, have your money or card readily available to pay for what you are purchasing. It’s no fun being behind the lady, for example, who has to root through her purse trying to find her cash or credit card. Be sure to give that person in front of you even more space as they turn around with their purchases in hand so as not to bump them and cause them to spill their drink(s) or popcorn.
If the theater has a central location for you to fill your own cup with ice and a beverage, again be sure to maintain that space between you and the person in front of you.
Also, be careful in filling your beverage cup with ice and your beverage. Ice and beverages can come out faster than you think; therefore, watch what you are doing, being careful not to spill either on the counter or on the floor.
If there are beverage lids provided, they are meant to be used so as not to spill your beverage on the floor as you head towards your seat and to avoid spillage while taking your seat and actually drinking from the cup. If you take a straw, put the paper cover in the trash can, not on the floor.
Taking several sips from your cup while remaining in front of the beverages and then refilling your cup again is not appropriate.
Taking your Seat: Allow yourself plenty of time to get your vehicle parked; get your tickets; purchase any snacks and beverages; and take your seat before the movie actually starts. Coming in to take your seat during the commercials is not a problem, but after the movie has actually begun is totally rude and inconsiderate. You not only miss the beginning of the movie but so does everyone else. If you are wearing a coat or jacket, remove it before you take your seat, putting it behind you or around your shoulders. Make certain you place your beverage in the cup holder if there is one. If you have a purse or bag, place it next to you in your seat or underneath your seat so as not to block the aisleway. After you have taken your seat, stand up if at all possible when another guest needs to go past you to take their seat or when they have to get past you to go to the restroom. Whether you have purchased candy at the theater or brought some with you, be sure to unwrap it before the movie begins. If you are wearing any kind of hat, remove it---that includes baseball caps which males should have removed upon entering the building. If you bring a blanket, be sure to keep it within the parameters of your seat. After you take your seat, limit your leaving it to go to the restroom or the snack area to a minimum. Do not “run” inside the theater!
Talking: “Inside voice” conversation after taking your seat is appropriate; however, as soon as the commercials or actual movie begins, conversation needs to stop except for a few quiet, very quiet whispers. “Excuse me” are the only actual audible words to be said if you have to get up from your seat to go to the restroom.
Cell: Leave these in your car if possible and enjoy the movie and allow everyone else to enjoy the movie. If you cannot leave it in the car, mute it! No one wants to hear your conversations anywhere in the theater and that includes the snack areas, and the restrooms, much less in the movie area itself.
No one sitting anywhere around you wants to be distracted by the lights coming from your phone while you watch videos, look at Facebook or any other social media.
Leaving the theater: Be polite and considerate of older or slower people by allowing them to go in front of you; maintain private space in between others. Even though you may be very excited about the ending of a movie, refrain from talking about it while in the lobby so as not to spoil it for those who have not yet seen it.
Take any and all trash with you and deposit it in an appropriate trash can or trash receptacle.
Hygiene: Maintain proper hygiene when going to the movies (or anywhere for that matter). No one wants to sit next to or anywhere near someone who smells.
Wear a mask if you have a cold or cough, or stay at home and go when you are feeling better. Burping and allowing other bodily functions to take place inside the theater is disgusting, inappropriate and rude.