Observing a Culture Movie Goers

Going to the movies is probably one of the most enjoyable pastimes throughout the world. Watching movies is pleasant for nearly anybody. Therefore, I have decided to study the culture of moviegoers. I looked at many different aspects within the past two weeks. I took time for myself in small, little, breaks to study and document the actions of the people. From their attitudes entering and leaving the cinemas, to the way they behaved and even the way they clothed themselves. I will be going into the field with a general question in mind of what I wish to learn. “How do individuals respond to each other in a moving going experience?” I will also consider how families communicate to each other compared to how a group of friends interact. In contrast to that outsider or etic outlook at our moviegoers, I will take an insider or emic perspective of the site and watch a movie portraying an actual moviegoer.
        I went to the theater on three separate occasions. I did not let anyone be aware of what I was doing or working on and left alone the moviegoers I was observing. If I did then the people would not act natural towards me. I chose this culture in our society because I there is always such diverse culture and I always see many different people coming in and out of the theatre doors with different views on their atmosphere.
        The theater environment is that of peace and tranquility. All moviegoers are of equal traits and personalities for the movies they selected to see. The air smelt of popcorn and light chatter could be heard all around as people came into the lobby to purchase their tickets and refreshments for the show. People showed excitement for being in the theater and there was a high sense of happiness and bliss.
        I did not find my observations to be difficult at all. There was not any involvement with me and the moviegoers other than the occasional “hello” or small talk with other moviegoers. I was just there as a fellow patron excited to be there and gave them plenty of room to just be themselves.

It was never the same thing every time each time I went. Many different types of people come to movies. Whether they would be age, race, gender, all kinds of people enjoy themselves in a relaxing environment at the movie theaters. I spread out when I went to observe. I went on Monday then Thursday then on Saturday. I did this so I could get a better sense of how, or if, the date effects the culture and overall experience.

I noticed that on Monday’s and Thursday’s I would see more of our elderly citizens spending their days watching a movie or using it as a treat or way to get out of the house. That makes perfect sense since during the weekdays it is less hectic and a more calming atmosphere for the elderly. On Saturday is was like it was a totally different place. There was a more diverse group of people; whole families, groups of friends, and couples.

People wore different types of clothing depending on their age group. Also, depending on where they came from. In the middle of the week I would see people dressed up in their work attire, looking like they just wanted to catch a flick before returning to work. Almost every moviegoer comes to the movies with enthusiasm when they purchase their tickets at the box office.
        There are three major scenes the moviegoer culture covers: The outside environment, where people tend to converse with one another and wait for their friends or loved ones, the lobby inside, which is mainly used to purchase tickets, and to obtain their desired snacks for the movie and continued to talk and have fun with one another, and the actual theatre, where people would remain mostly quiet until the store of the movie.

During the day and afternoon, I had noticed the moviegoers would wear more casual clothing with their shorts and t-shirts. And later at night when the temperature is a bit cooler, moviegoers tend to dress in layers or thick clothing. I even saw a couple people bringing a blanket or two for themselves or their children.

As you walked in there was a square booth with was used to purchase tickets but it was only open on the weekends or during busier times. When it wasn’t open people just went up to the concession stand and purchased their tickets and all other snacks or drinks they wanted the show.  

On Saturday, I noticed more children screaming and yelling with excitement all throughout the lobby area. There were a couple arcade games in the lobby areas and some on the second floor, where there was a little waiting area or meeting place. At night the dynamic of the theater changed. There were more teenage and young adults, along with college students. It would start to get loud enough for people to not hear one another, especially the customers at the concession stand.

Depending on the movie, moviegoers would have different reactions. I switched up styles of movies I saw to get a better understanding and to see more cultures. Moviegoers do not just simply enter the cinemas to watch a movie and then leave as soon as their movie is over. Sure, they may buy a ticket, walk in to their movie, and watch it, then leave as soon as the credits roll. But there is more to it then what appears.