Today’s question comes from Tyler, who writes:
I have a friend who hates loud people in movie theaters. Not just yelling idiots either: he just likes to watch movies in peace. I don’t like people talking, but if it’s the right kind of movie, I think it’s cool that people are enthusiastic (what would an EVIL DEAD II midnight show be without cheering?).
So, which type of viewer are you (the readers): someone who prefers to watch movies in a completely distraction-free environment, or are you open to people vocally enjoying the energy of the film in question? (Note: the two options are not necessarily mutually exclusive!)
I’ll rephrase that to ask:
Is talking, snarking, cheering, booing, or otherwise reacting out loud to a movie ever appropriate?
I’m with Tyler: It depends on the movie, and whatever reaction has to be appropriate. But what’s appropriate will vary constantly. For example, if anyone had snarked through my first (or second, or fifth) viewing of Titanic, I’d have been very unhappy. But now, I can envision a shout-back-to-the-screen sort of public experience, even though I still love the movie in an unironic way, too.
What do you think? What sorts of group-experience movies have you enjoyed?
(If you have a suggestion for a QOTD, feel free to email me. Responses to this QOTD sent by email will be ignored; please post your responses here.)
