arteejee

A site of satirical musings, commentary and/or rhetorical criticism of the world at large.

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Location: Southeastern, Pennsylvania, United States

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

What's Wrong at the Movies Today

There has been a lot of noise lately about the decline in movie attendance in this country. There were several pointed comments about business being off at this year's Oscar ceremony, and several weeks later a Time magazine article sought the opinions of filmdom's movers and shakers for their explanation. Some, like George Lucas, believe that audiences today want the picture quality offered by digital technology. Others, like Steven Spielberg, believe that the older method of cinematography and editing communicates more heart and soul of the film story to the audience. While I'm not pretending to know all of the facts, I will offer several points to consider explaining the decline of film ticket sales. But first...

Don't forget Happy Hour at Pettywillie's Bar and Grille, home of the Ham and Bud special! That's a ham deli sandwich with your choice of cheese and toppings, and your favorite brew for just $5.00! That's every day between four and six at Pettywillies!

Modern technology is both a blessing and a curse for Hollywood. The filmgoer today doesn't have to leave their home to view today's films. Cable television and the various DVD rental-by-mail companies encourage people to stay home from the multiplexes. There is also a time commitment that many people don't have to view films in the communal setting; people are working harder and longer hours, which leaves very little time for the theater. This is a shame, since there is nothing like the feeling of sharing the emotions from a film with a large group of like-minded people in a public setting.

Offhand, I can think of three such times in my recent memory which gave me this thrill of a shared experience: Goldeneye (particularly the opening scene), Fahrenheit 911, and Mystery Science Theater 3000 - The Movie. It is a warm feeling that can overtake one sitting in a darkened room while images play and dance in front of you and several hundred other people sitting around you. I could go on, but first...

Would you like a safari in Kenya for your next vacation? Or would you rather conquer Everest? Or would you prefer dodging the sharks as you surf the Great Barrier Reef? Pearl's Adventure Travels can get you there in style! Look up Pearl in the yellow pages!

Then there is the money matter. When the average family goes to the theater, they must consider ticket, concession, gasoline, and possibly parking fees. Many times it is probably cheaper to just stay home and rent a video. I believe these are all possibilities that many of us are not going to the movies anymore. I won't pretend to speak for everyone, but I can elaborate on why I don't go the movies. I don't go to the movies because...

But first...

(TO BE CONTINUED)

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

very clever way to get yor point across regarding the commercials shown at the cimena; another good reason patronage of the theaters is down. I look forward to the continuing story. That is if there is a continuance.

Columbia County Phantom strikes again

May 9, 2006 at 2:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please excuse typo on my previous message. It looked okay just
before I sent it.

Columbia County

May 9, 2006 at 2:10 PM  

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