Movie-Going: The Social Aspect

Source: DREAMSTINE/R.Marmion and EVOK/M.Poehlman via Getty Images/Evok Images

By Ava Fineza

To me, the theater is one of the most magical places on Earth.

For a few hours - if the film is any good - you are transported into a whole new universe. Handed to you is the chance to flirt with the idea that life as we know it could be completely different, that maybe, magic does exist, or that superheroes live among us - even the crazy idea that everyone around us is wondrously attractive can be brought to life in a cinema. Visiting your local theater is one of my favorite ways to pass the time, and ever since Hollywood’s inception(hah! movie pun!) in the 1920s movie-going has become an integral part of our nation’s culture.

Nowadays, it seems as if the magic of the theater has been lost from many. Younger generations haven’t yet experienced the culture of going to the movies, and from what I’ve heard from my little sister, they aren’t exactly enthused to. It’s true, the future of entertainment is and will be on online platforms such as Hulu, HBO, and Netflix, but along with the convenience of staying at home comes the loss of the movie-going experience. It’s not horrible to stay at home instead of going out to watch a film - it can be cheaper, more comfortable, and of course, you can enjoy the freedom of being able to openly yell at the screen. Those who choose to stay home, though, miss out on the excitement of scoring the best seats in the theater (shoutout to F 11-15) or the feeling of stepping out of a cinema hours later, confused about “when it got so dark.” Something about the way the lights dim and silence falls across the audience makes a movie more special to me in a theater, and it creates a sense of community, knowing that you’re surrounded by people just as(or maybe even more) excited as you are about something.

Maybe that’s what I really miss about movie-going, the part about being able to watch a movie and then spend the next hour excitedly discussing and analyzing it with people as you take the Metro or drive home. Of course, the magic of a good movie and theater is wonderful, but to be able to share that magic with someone else is what takes the experience to a whole other level. Going to the movies with good company can make even the dumbest flicks enjoyable, and films are a great way to spark conversation where there was once tension, or find a common interest to bond over that you weren’t aware of before. I may be over-exaggerating a little - not every movie trip is life-changing, but hey, some of them could be! Don’t knock it until you try! Or something…

I know movie theaters are closed right now, and obviously it’s for the best. But when they reopen, and it is estimated they might soon, will you go to the theater? It’s a tough predicament, but when it comes down to it I think I’ll choose to wait. I know, I was just talking about how much I love the theaters, but as a healthy young person I feel like I should do what I can now to help. It’s okay, I’ve still got years and years ahead of me, while other people might…not. How about we hold off from theaters for a little while longer, just until things can get more under control, yeah? But when they do, I highly, highly encourage you to take a little trip to your local cinema(with some friends! Or family! Or a date… ooh la la) and experience some of the magic for yourself.

ur a wizard, arry