Watching movies at home is cheaper and more convenient than going to the movie theatre. As much as I like staying home and reveling in a bargain, there is something special about going to the movie theatre. You are probably thinking about the popcorn, comfy seats, and the humongous screen. These ingredients make a difference but they are not what makes the theatre special. The number one reason to go to a movie is the audience, especially if you want to see a comedy. It’s about laughing. Let me explain.
I learned this concept first-hand back in 2011. My wife desperately wanted to see Bridesmaids. As you may recall, the movie did quite well at the box office. It was well-received by the critics, specifically for a comedy. Although it was not the opening weekend, it was Friday night and I was guessing the theatre would be crowded. Things were stacking up in my mind as real blockers.
Get Me Out of This
“Honey. It’s going to be packed tonight.” I whined as was my first retort, although I admit it was a pretty weak effort. I had more. I could have pulled out the expense or the hassle. The fact that she was dragging me to a theatre that was probably packed with women was not a draw for me. I was not a fan of the cast either, particularly Maya Rudolph. For whatever reason, her humor and my sense do not intersect.
Any way you cut it, I really did not want to go to the movie theatre. I tried all kinds of rationale, but it was not to be. We were seeing a movie tonight and it was going to be Bridesmaids. I love that old saying, “If you cannot get out of it, get into it.” That is exactly what I tried to do.
Arriving at the Theatre
When we arrived at the movie theatre, the crowds split into two segments. The men get in line for Thor and the women are getting in line for Bridesmaids. I am not exaggerating when I tell you the crowd heading to Bridesmaids was more than 80% female. The crowd dynamics were not totally surprising. According to IMDb, 67% of all the people to see the movie were female. Quite an accomplishment for a comedy movie to be sure. The overwhelming gender disparity foreshadowed a very different movie experience for me.
As I entered the dark theatre, we were a bit on the early side, certainly in movie time. We found a couple of nice seats and settled in. I ate popcorn and watched different groups of ladies stream into the theatre. There were groups of 2-3 ladies enjoying a girls night out up to a whole bridal party beginning the bachelorette celebrations with a movie. I think I saw every type of woman come into that theatre: young, old, brown, white, and everything in between. I cannot think of a time, before or since, I have been in the presence of greater female diversity than that night.
The Movie Begins
As the previews kicked into gear, the theatre darkened in readiness. The first couple of previews hinted at the experience to follow. There was giggling, a couple of snorts and some belly laughing. During the previews, no less. After about 10 minutes of warming up, the audience was ready for the main event.
The movie, as you likely know, follows several gal-pals as they prepare for one of them to be married. The whole situation is a hot mess. The audience I am sitting with loves it. In fact, they eat it up. From the beginning until the very end, ladies were laughing, guffawing, and talking to the screen. Several people were slapping each other on the back and crowing up a storm. It was unrestrained amusement. With each passing minute, it turned more and more into audience participation as you might see in a comedy club.
When they arrived at the climactic scene of hilarity, the place went nuts. I think one lady fell out of her chair. A few minutes later, the entire theatre was laughing so hard, people had tears running out of their eyes. The place was howling with laughter. The experience evolved from watching a movie to an interactive experience. I enjoyed that movie and that night tremendously. You can’t get that experience at home watching Netflix.
It’s Hard to Have Fun if You’re not Laughing
How good of a movie is Bridesmaids? I do not really know. I am afraid to watch it again because I am certain it could never rival the first time I participated in a group movie watching event. The experience constructed one of the funniest situations I ever experienced. The crowd turned the movie into a hysterical, laugh until your sides hurt night of fun.
A situation like this makes me realize the people surrounding me drive my experience more than I ever realized. Surrounding yourself with people who want to enjoy life and create an experience brings out positive feelings and emotions for you. Likewise, poor attitudes create poor emotional experiences. I always laugh more when I am around people who want and are trying to laugh. Seek these people out and they may deliver a once in a lifetime memory for you to savor.
I have long thought that our mind drives our actions, but I am beginning to understand differently. The actions we take have a great impact on our ability to change and evolve our minds. The physical and mental work together, in concert, to create a better, more enjoyable life. Take advantage of the opportunities as they present themselves. You will not be disappointed.
If you don’t contradict yourself on a regular basis, then you’re not thinking.
Malcolm Gladwell
Author’s Note
I eventually watched Thor in the theatre with my two boys. It was a typical Marvel action movie. We had a great time, although it was nowhere near the experience from my night with the Bridesmaids.