Oh the soapbox is soggy, but my opinion on this one is solid.
shot on 35mm by Jess Littman
I go to the movie theater a lot. Since Drew & I are both filmmakers, we can expect to go to the theater at least twice a month. Often times we’re some of the only people there, and we have our pick of seats. We know exactly where we like to sit (closer to the screen than is ideal for most people) and since most screenings are far from full, we like to sit where we don’t have anyone in front of us either. Everyone has their own idea of the ideal movie theater seat, but I think most people would agree with the opinion I present to you - which is why it’s so shocking when it happens. Today I stand tall on this soggy soapbox:
Leave at least one seat between your party and another at the movies.
Do not make strangers share an arm rest with you. Do not force a cup holder decision. Do not make me relinquish the seats I was so excited about! Sure, your cologne is nice, but I don’t know you…so I don’t really want to smell the aforementioned cologne for two hours. Please, don’t reserve seats directly next to another party in a movie theater.
Leaving an open seat between yourself and other moviegoers is a necessary courtesy. There are circumstances under which I will relent, but they’re slim: it’s opening weekend for a movie OR it is some kind of special screening. In either of those exceptions to the rule, the theater better be getting full before you purchase any next-door seats. If there are dozens of open seats and you choose the one next to me, I will be absolutely, unsympathetically unhappy with you.