Why Films Deserve to be Experienced in the Cinema (Theaters)
Now more than ever we need to talk to each other, listen to each other, and understand how we see the world, and cinema is the best medium for doing this.
~ Martin Scorsese
We live in a world where convenience often trumps quality. With streaming platforms taking center stage, cinema attendance has dwindled, and the once-popular movie-going experience has taken a back seat. But when it comes to experiencing the true essence of films, there's no substitute for the cinema.
From the early days of silent pictures to the latest in 3D and 4D technology, the theater experience has captivated audiences for generations. However, the recent decline in cinema attendance threatens this long-standing tradition. In this article, I'll dive into the unique aspects of the cinema experience and explore the importance of supporting our local movie theaters.
An Immersive Visual Experience
Filmmaking is a powerful art form that transcends the boundaries of storytelling, and to truly appreciate the work of a film director, we must experience their creations on the big screen. A certain magic happens when you're sitting in a darkened theater, eyes glued to the massive screen, with images and stories unfolding before you.
The scale of the cinema screen is crucial to the overall experience. A larger canvas allows for more intricate details and a more powerful emotional impact. For instance, the vastness of space in Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity (2013) was made all the more palpable by the scale of the images on the big screen. The same applies to George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), where the expansive landscapes and intense action sequences were heightened by the power of scale.
Along with scale, advanced projection technology plays a significant role in enhancing our cinematic experience. High-resolution imagery and crisp visuals enable us to fully appreciate the artistry of cinematography. Take, for example, James Cameron's Avatar (2009), where the groundbreaking 3D technology and visuals immersed us in the world of Pandora, making us feel like we were part of the story. In this case, the visual impact of the film was inextricably linked to the theater experience, and watching it on a smaller screen would have severely diminished its effect.
Superior Audio Quality
The importance of sound in filmmaking cannot be overstated. A film's sound design and score have the power to transport us to another world, making us feel every emotion and sensation as if we were truly there. It's no wonder, then, that the audio quality of a theater experience is unparalleled.
In Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk (2017), Hans Zimmer's masterful score heightened the tension and chaos of the war, making the audience feel the urgency and fear experienced by the characters. Similarly, the innovative use of silence and carefully placed sounds in John Krasinski's A Quiet Place (2018) kept us on the edge of our seats, amplifying the suspense and horror of the film. In both instances, the theater's audio quality played an integral role in the storytelling, and experiencing it in any other setting would have lessened its impact.
In addition to the importance of sound in storytelling, the surround sound systems in theaters contribute to auditory immersion. The integration of music and sound effects in Edgar Wright's Baby Driver (2017) was crucial to its narrative, and experiencing it in a theater with a state-of-the-art sound system made all the difference. When you're enveloped by sound from all directions, you're not just watching a film; you're living it.
The Collective Experience
One of the most compelling reasons to head to the cinema is the shared emotional journey with fellow moviegoers. There's a unique, almost cathartic quality to experiencing a film with a room full of strangers, all reacting and emoting together.
Remember the collective gasps during the twist ending of M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense (1999), or the emotional rollercoaster we all rode while watching James Cameron's Titanic (1997)? These shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie and connection that is difficult to replicate in a home setting. The emotional resonance of a film is often amplified when we witness it with others, making the cinema experience all the more rewarding.
Certain films and cult classics foster a sense of community and belonging among their audience. Marvel's Black Panther (2018) not only captivated viewers with its gripping story and visuals but also made a powerful cultural impact, bringing people together and fostering unity. Similarly, the Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) has built a loyal fan base over the years, with audience participation and camaraderie becoming an integral part of the theater experience. These shared experiences demonstrate the power of cinema to unite and inspire people from all walks of life.
Exclusive Content and Limited Releases
Attending the cinema offers an opportunity to experience exclusive content and limited releases that are often inaccessible outside the theater setting.
Film festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival showcase world-class cinema, providing a platform for both established filmmakers and emerging talents to present their work to a global audience. Attending these festivals allows viewers to experience an eclectic mix of films, often before they are released to the general public.
Special screenings and events, such as the 50th-anniversary screenings of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in 70mm format or Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight (2015) 70mm Roadshow version, offer unique experiences that can't be replicated at home. These events not only showcase the technical prowess of the filmmakers but also celebrate the artistry of filmmaking in its purest form.
Supporting the Film Industry
By going to the theaters, you're directly supporting the film industry, which has far-reaching implications. Cinemas create jobs and generate revenue, which, in turn, contributes to the overall health of the film industry. This financial support is vital for the continued growth and development of filmmaking, both at the blockbuster level and in the independent sphere.
When we choose to experience films in the cinema, we are supporting the creative vision of filmmakers and encouraging innovation in the industry. Take Christopher Nolan, for example, whose dedication to shooting on film and IMAX cameras pushes the boundaries of cinema and challenges the status quo.
Filmmaking is an essential part of our cultural heritage, and by attending screenings of restored classics or supporting indie films, we can help preserve this art form for future generations. This active engagement with the film industry demonstrates our commitment to the art and serves as a powerful reminder of its value in our lives.
Final Thoughts
The cinema experience is a unique and invaluable aspect of the world of entertainment, offering an immersive, communal, and culturally significant way to enjoy the art of filmmaking. The benefits of the big screen experience extend beyond the visual and auditory aspects, encompassing shared emotions, a sense of community, exclusive content, and support for the film industry.
Now, more than ever, it's crucial for us to rally behind our local movie theaters and embrace the magic of the cinema. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the preservation and advancement of the art of filmmaking. In a world where convenience often trumps quality, let's not forget the power and importance of experiencing films as they were meant to be seen - on the big screen.
So, the next time you're debating whether to watch the latest release at home or in a theater, remember the unique experience that awaits you in the cinema. Embrace the power of the big screen, share emotions with fellow moviegoers, and support the film industry that has given us so much joy over the years. Let's work together to revive the cinema experience and ensure its place in the world of entertainment for generations to come.