Empty Movie Theatres

Posted by Colin Harvey May 29, 2009

Kate and I had free tickets for the cinema that had to be used up by yesterday afternoon, so we went to see Angels & Demons.

Until literally the actual minute the film started, the theatre was empty. By the time the credits had rolled, we were almost into double figures -- although not quite. But bear in mind that this is one of the summer blockbusters, it's half-term and it's a 12A certificate so teenagers can see it.

I know there were lost of good reasons why this was so; it was hot, it was 4.50pm, the film had religious elements (more on that next time) and didn't have eye-candy like Hugh Jackman, but only adenoidal old Tom Hanks and, despite the obligatory token Euro-female had as much sex appeal as a priest's cassock.

But if ever there was an argument against multiplexes, this was it. A movie theatre 95 - 98% empty for a summer blockbuster in school holidays, while 'indie' films can't get a showing for love nor money. Maybe it's about time movie distributors re-thought their strategy? They'll no doubt argue economies of scale, efficencies, yadda yadda. I don't buy it. This can't be good for business, and if it's not good for them, they'll just retreat further into medocrity.

More on the film tomorrow.