Applause after films in the theater

[creekin111]

I don't remember this ever happening until like the late 90s/early 2000s. Do people actually think someone who created the film is actually in attendance? Or do they think they can hear their applause from Burbank Studios? Are they applauding the theater employees? I wouldn't think they would be applauding the price of the tickets or the popcorn/candy.

I never talk through movies but an image can be so striking that it emits a physical reaction like a laugh. I'll whisper out once in a long while, "wow", or "that's crazy" and shit like that. Applause needs a recipient.

[Smiert Spionam]

If a movie is damn good, I'll applaud.

*shrug*

[Prismatic Sphere]

It is always so rare to see a movie so good that it warrants applause.

I applauded after I saw Inglorious Bastards.

The point isn't whether someone can hear it(even though someone possibly could).
It is that the filmmakers have given a finished product to an audience; so however an audience reacts is gravy.

Applause is one's own personal homage to what they just saw.

[SAI]

This must be a US thing. Outside of festival or special screenings with someone related to the film attending I've NEVER heard a film applauded, or applauded a film myself. I kinda fail to see the point if it's just a screen you are applauding. However, I do make a point, if I like a Festival film, of not just applauding but trying to speak to the director (or actor, or whoever else is there) to tell them so personally.

On another note, I wish I'd gone to see Afterschool at the Q and A screening in London, because that film was so fucking terrrible I wish I'd been able to ask the director to explain himself.

[creekin111]

I'm not saying its bad. I just kinda don't get it and at the same time think its funny. I just feel like its like I'm applauding myself for choosing a good film to see. Clap for us for doing our research. Yay. I just can't help to giggle. http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/nicha_lala/Smiley/giggle.gif

[Derek237]

I like it when that happens, and it's a rare occurence because (let's face it) there isn't much worth applauding these days. When I saw Inglorious Basterds the whole theatre applauded...I think it's a good feeling knowing that you're in this big area full of people who all enjoyed the movie and we're all involved in giving a big round of applause to close the enjoyable filmgoing experience we all just shared.

Now, it you're applauding movies alone at home, then you got problems.

[Weapon X]

The midnight screenings I attended for Batman Begins and The Dark Knight both ended in applause. As did the preview screening of District 9. Aside from that, I only occasionally hear applause in a theater if it isn't a packed-house opening weekend.

It's a fun thing to witness, when an audience is so in tune with the film that they applaud. And if the movie's just that damn good as well, all the better.

[echo_bravo]

I have no problem with it ( I see what you are sayin though)

The biggest WTF applause came when the credits rolled for Lady in the Water. Literally, almost everyone in the theater were applauding and saying "damn that was great!"
My friends and I all thought the movie was utter shit and thought it was some elaborate prank by the audience or something.

[john_rambo]

I like applause in the theatre cause it shows they are in to it. It made the TDK midnight showing great cause that was everyones first time and we were all in to it.

[EVILxxx]

Back in the early 90's people seemed to clap all the time. Now, not so much though there was applause after Inglorious Basterds at the show I attended.

[The Postmaster General]

I'm not an applauder, but I don't care when it happens as I am usually digging what's on screen as well. I don't even think I've ever joined in, but can't think of why I wouldn't - just don't remember doing it.

It's been happening for ever. I remember applause after the '89 Batman, and get this - House. Yeah, there was applause for House. That was '84, I think. I also recall a review for Gladiator, where a reviewer stated he hadn't heard that amount of applause for hero since seeing Rocky ('76) as a teenager.

What you said though, is funny creekin111 - I could see it used in a stand-up routine. There's a lot of truth to it.

[Natty]

I've been to a couple of movies (LoTR: RoTK and Star Wars Ep.III) where people have applauded and though it is silly seeing as none of the filmmakers are nowhere to be seen I think it's basically a way of a bunch of geeks 'uniting' in a way by saying they loved the movie.

Like Derek said, if you were applauding at home then it would be wierd.

[LordSimen]

I fuckin' love when a movie gets appreciated through applause or the like. It's a very awesome experience to be in a theater when that happens. :D

[NathanRomano]

Well, during screenings of The Big Lebowski, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Karate Kid and stuff like that. There's cheers during certain lines and such, and an applause after.

I think of it as an experience to share with the crowd you just saw it with during a screening like that. Just like 'Midnight Madness: Beer and a Bad Movie" with the drinking games. Everybody yells DRINK when we have to

[Badbird]

It usually only happens in a crowded theater, and it's obviously a sign that everyone enjoyed it. It's part of the experience. It's no different that clapping or laughing during the movie.

I've seen it a few times myself. I think my first time seeing it was Jurassic Park. Sometimes you can feel it's going to happen. I'm okay with it, though I don't join in.


A couple years ago, we played Bottle Shock at my theater, and after damn near every show, people applauded. If you haven't seen that movie, you should check it out. You can easily see why people clap; it's a text-book crowd pleaser.

[EVILxxx]

I'm not an applauder, but I don't care when it happens as I am usually digging what's on screen as well. I don't even think I've ever joined in, but can't think of why I wouldn't - just don't remember doing it.

It's been happening for ever. I remember applause after the '89 Batman, and get this - House. Yeah, there was applause for House. That was '84, I think. I also recall a review for Gladiator, where a reviewer stated he hadn't heard that amount of applause for hero since seeing Rocky ('76) as a teenager.

What you said though, is funny creekin111 - I could see it used in a stand-up routine. There's a lot of truth to it.

House Bubba? You're an old man. ;)

[The Postmaster General]

House Bubba? You're an old man. ;)

Whaddchu say there? There's a mouse in your tub and urine on the can? I don't understand what that means. Damn this newfangled Internet jargon -- even worse than when ham radio caught on!

[john_rambo]

Whaddchu say there? There's a mouse in your tub and urine on the can? I don't understand what that means. Damn this newfangled Internet jargon -- even worse than when ham radio caught on!

Kids these days with their ipods and cell phones and indoor plumbing... don't know the value of a dollar these days, I'll tell you!

[Tagia_Romero]

If I find a movie that really speaks to me, I will applaud it. Not wildly, but a few appreciative claps is more my style. I loved what I saw, so I am giving my endorsement, not matter how small it may be.

[MightyCelestial]

Sometimes, I fart in the theatre.
Though, that usually has more to do with eating an entire box of Sno-Caps (to any "foreigners out there, they're these semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils that are the bane of my yo-yo dieting habits) than it is about any kind of measure of enjoyment or non-enjoyment that I may have recieved from watching the film.

[BadCoverVersion]

It's been happening for ever. I remember applause after the '89 Batman, and get this - House. Yeah, there was applause for House. That was '84, I think.

Bwahahahaha.

This is definitely an American thang.

[Hey Man]

How about the Rocky movies - where people in the audience act like they are attending a live boxing match and cheer or wince depending on how good or how bad Rocky is doing in the ring. I wonder if Rocky did better because of the inspirational cheers.

[Heisenberg]

NEVER happens in the UK. It's very pointless.

I'm not denying it would be a cool thing to witness, but it is pointless.

[CyclicNightmare]

I love when this happens. And you never know who might be in the audience. A lot of people work on movies.

[bigred760]

I've applauded after watching a movie and the credits rolled. If it was an enjoyable movie, and I had a great time watching it, I'll acknowledge by applauding. I know that whoever made it isn't there, it's just what I do.

[JimmmyChopblock]

Are you seriously crying because people applaud once in a while at a theater after seeing a great film? Out of all the bullshit that happens in movie theaters - THIS is what pisses you off?

Jesus Christ I wish my local theaters had so little to complain about that that was my only worry when going to the theater.

[APzombie]

I do it a lot for films i love, not for the filmmakers per say, but to see if everyone in the audience liked it as much as i do by hearing others join me or simply shrug it off and leave.

[Canto]

I always think its kind of awkward when people applaud because usually its just a few of them, but I think the last time everyone was applauding and I actually joined in was after the first time I saw the new Star Trek. That movie is awesome.

[Bourne101]

I don't see the problem. It doesn't happen often, so when it does happen it shows that the audience truly appreciated and liked the movie. People applauded Inglourious Basterds at the showing I was at opening night and it was just great to know that everyone loved it and appreciated it.

[Servo]

People in the UK think it's pointless for an audience to applaud a film when none of the filmmakers/crew/etc. aren't present.

So do you guys just kinda sit quietly in your pubs when your favorite football/rugby team is kicking your rivals' ass?

Because, y'know, none of the players are there......

[Badbird]

People in the UK think it's pointless for an audience to applaud a film when none of the filmmakers/crew/etc. aren't present.

So do you guys just kinda sit quietly in your pubs when your favorite football/rugby team is kicking your rivals' ass?

Because, y'know, none of the players are there......

http://23.media.tumblr.com/nzbUCCrluhowi47bPJESZnvgo1_400.jpg

Oh snap!

[BadCoverVersion]

People in the UK think it's pointless for an audience to applaud a film when none of the filmmakers/crew/etc. aren't present.

So do you guys just kinda sit quietly in your pubs when your favorite football/rugby team is kicking your rivals' ass?

Because, y'know, none of the players are there......

http://23.media.tumblr.com/nzbUCCrluhowi47bPJESZnvgo1_400.jpg

Oh snap!

This comparison doesn't work at all.

First off, sport is usually LIVE so there is a feeling of being caught up 'in the moment' and the shouting/jeering and general camaraderie is mainly for the benefit of the armchair spectators, NOT the participants.

If the entire pub were to watch the match in silence - bar a boo/cheer or two - and then stand up and applaud when the programme credits start rolling then you might have a point.

Your analogy would make some sense if it were being compared to say, people getting vocal during a lengthy fight sequence or battle in a movie...I'm not sure about America, but we don't generally make a fuss of them either.

[Servo]

there is a feeling of being caught up 'in the moment' and the shouting/jeering and general camaraderie is mainly for the benefit of the armchair spectators, NOT the participants.


That's what I'm trying to say. I feel that's why people applaud/boo/etc. during a film in the States, not to pretend they're commending the filmmakers but as an expression of being caught up in the moment. I'm not just talking about a few "ooh's" and "ahh's" then standup applauds. That happens, but a variety of other things happen.

I remember seeing Blade in theaters and as soon as Snipes decapitated Quinn and caught his sunglasses my theater suddenly turned into a mad house (c'mon, can you blame them?). Or when Yoda suddenly pulled out a lightsaber and dueled Dooku. Same reaction. After all the excitement produced by the film, the credits roll, and the movie-goers feel the need to stand and applaud.

I just see it as the same thing you're describing. It's an expression, not a formality.

[BadCoverVersion]

That's what I'm trying to say. I feel that's why people applaud/boo/etc. during a film in the States, not to pretend they're commending the filmmakers but as an expression of being caught up in the moment. I'm not just talking about a few "ooh's" and "ahh's" then standup applauds. That happens, but a variety of other things happen.

I remember seeing Blade in theaters and as soon as Snipes decapitated Quinn and caught his sunglasses my theater suddenly turned into a mad house (c'mon, can you blame them?). Or when Yoda suddenly pulled out a lightsaber and dueled Dooku. Same reaction. After all the excitement produced by the film, the credits roll, and the movie-goers feel the need to stand and applaud.

I just see it as the same thing you're describing. It's an expression, not a formality.

I'm not trying to be a sniffy bitch here but that sort of the behaviour isn't the norm in the UK, so I find it all a bit strange. You rarely hear booing and jeering from an audience outside of a kids movie.

Sport is an entirely different kettle of fish. It usually involves groups of men and gallons of ale...and any audience participation is generally for the benefit of pissing the opposing supporters off!

[BakeTheMooCow]

I applaud sometimes when it's a great movie. Don't really care to deconstruct gestures and behavior like Jerry Seinfeld. Like every little thing people do is logical and serves a purpose.

[Servo]

I applaud sometimes when it's a great movie. Don't really care to deconstruct gestures and behavior like Jerry Seinfeld. Like every little thing people do is logical and serves a purpose.

Well EXCUUUUSE me for wanting a little socio-anthropological showdown!

[Jig Saw 123]

The only time I don't like applause after a movie is over is when the movie sucks aka Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, but when I saw Revenge of the Sith (acting sucked) and The Dark Knight I applauded at the end due to the pure excitement I had before seeing the film.

[Powerslave]

I agree that it's an awkward and pointless thing to do, and I personally never join in aside from a few half-hearted claps, but at the same time I don't think it's about whether or not there's a solid, logical point to it.

All it is is people announcing their appreciation, except instead of yelling it out loud (that'd be alot weirder than applauding), they clap, because clapping is an accepted way for an audience to express appreciation. Again, I never do it, and I can understand the confusion, but I can also understand the act and have no problem with it happening after a movie, especially if it's a good movie.

I also agree with whoever said this would make a great stand up routine.

[Strider]

I fuckin' love when a movie gets appreciated through applause or the like. It's a very awesome experience to be in a theater when that happens. :D

So do I. When that happens, it enhances the overall cinematic experience, it makes the experience all the more memorable. The Dark Knight is a good example of this. I saw TDK 6 times in the theater, each time in a sold-out theater, and each audience roared with applause once the credits started rolling. The sheer exuberance and energy of these kinds of audiences is an amazing post-screening occurrence for both the eyes and ears. Simply put, as you said, it's very awesome indeed.

Strider

[creekin111]

Are you seriously crying because people applaud once in a while at a theater after seeing a great film? Out of all the bullshit that happens in movie theaters - THIS is what pisses you off?

Jesus Christ I wish my local theaters had so little to complain about that that was my only worry when going to the theater.

"I can't help to giggle.http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/nicha_lala/Smiley/giggle.gif" Someone seems angry. I don't blame you, theater patrons usually suck. Always spilling their sodas and nobody cleans it up. This one time the floor in the theater was so sticky I had to leave my sneakers there.

Thank you, I'm here until Tue. try the veal. *snaps fingers, winks and points to the crowd.

[dellamorte dellamore]

It is idiotic, because these people are assuming i give two shits if they enjoyed a particular film. I can see people hooting and hollering during a like during Dawn of the Dead 04, there were some bravura sequences in that one that worked up the whole crowd, everyone was engaged in the proceedings, but clapping or booing at the end of a film annoys me.

If you didn't like it, don't let me know, go complain to the manager you dimwit, i don't want to hear you make a dick of yourself. Obviously, you stayed for the entire running time, so how bad could it have been. Same goes for clapping at the end, why are you letting everyone know, maybe i don't want to know what you thought of it, leave the theater and shut up corksucker. Applause at the end after people ave been making noise throughout is even more ridiculous, everyone already let me know they were enjoying what they were witnessing while the film was playing, do i need one last reminder you liked it? Shut up, clean up the goobers you dropped all over the floor, police the area of any foreign objects that weren't there when you came in and leave the freakin theater, don't let me hear you clap pinhead

[SteeleDude]

I started a round of applause at the end of Freddy vs. Jason.

[Mr. Moose]

Anybody remember when Dreamgirls came out? I remember hearing about how were people breaking out into hysterical/standing applauses after one of the musical numbers in that movie (that may have just been BS put out for PR, IDK). But the thought of people being dumb enough to break out into applause in the middle of the f'cking movie frustrates me to no end. The movie screen can't hear you, a-holes!

[creekin111]

I suppose a metaphor I could use would be, "The other day I was at this Vincent van Gogh art gallery and once I saw The Starry Night, I bursted out in applause and everybody else started clapping too." Yay.

[Asa_Phelps]

I think it really boils down to what people think about the theater. Either you feel that the audience experience adds a unique element to the film or it's just a place to watch a movie on a large screen.

If I go opening night and there is applause from the fully-packed auditorium, then I don't really have a problem with it. Otherwise it's just sort of weird.

When I went to go see District 9 (SPOILER ahead) people clapped and cheered when the MNU captain gets killed by the prawns which I enjoyed. I'm pretty sure there was some more clapping at the end as well.

I can see people hooting and hollering during a like during Dawn of the Dead 04, there were some bravura sequences in that one that worked up the whole crowd, everyone was engaged in the proceedings, but clapping or booing at the end of a film annoys me.

This is almost self-contradictory. Most of the time people clap at the end because the movie worked them up. It's not like the clapping lasts a long time and people are standing up and cheering. It's just a few seconds after the credits. And I'd almost prefer it to some jackass excitedly yelling in my ear because he saw another zombie get its head blown off.

[solidstealth]

The biggest WTF applause came when the credits rolled for Lady in the Water. Literally, almost everyone in the theater were applauding and saying "damn that was great!"
My friends and I all thought the movie was utter shit and thought it was some elaborate prank by the audience or something.

THAT was the twist ending... m.night schooled yo ass lol

[jdparker]

It is idiotic, because these people are assuming i give two shits if they enjoyed a particular film. I can see people hooting and hollering during a like during Dawn of the Dead 04, there were some bravura sequences in that one that worked up the whole crowd, everyone was engaged in the proceedings, but clapping or booing at the end of a film annoys me.

If you didn't like it, don't let me know, go complain to the manager you dimwit, i don't want to hear you make a dick of yourself. Obviously, you stayed for the entire running time, so how bad could it have been. Same goes for clapping at the end, why are you letting everyone know, maybe i don't want to know what you thought of it, leave the theater and shut up corksucker. Applause at the end after people ave been making noise throughout is even more ridiculous, everyone already let me know they were enjoying what they were witnessing while the film was playing, do i need one last reminder you liked it? Shut up, clean up the goobers you dropped all over the floor, police the area of any foreign objects that weren't there when you came in and leave the freakin theater, don't let me hear you clap pinhead


You do realize their booing/applauding has nothing to do with you right?

[Mr.HyDe807]

the one time where I had no diea why there was applause at the end was Transformers 2. The whole crowd lost it, and my friends and I just stood there and wondered how people were putting up with this crap.

[The Postmaster General]

One time I experienced a slow clap following a movie. The movie ended, and no one expected it was going to be that good, but the ending really nailed it home. Fade out, everyone sat there, then one person started slowing clapping, then another, then another. The claps built with speed and intensity. In no time everyone is on their feet cheering and screaming, hoots and hollers! That was the best movie experience ever. Or maybe I'm thinking of the time that Amish heavy metal band competed in our local battle of the bands. If you guys ever get a chance to hear Jakob's Leather, check them out.

[Noct]

Are you seriously crying because people applaud once in a while at a theater after seeing a great film? Out of all the bullshit that happens in movie theaters - THIS is what pisses you off?

Jesus Christ I wish my local theaters had so little to complain about that that was my only worry when going to the theater.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

I live in France at the moment and it's a much better experience watching a movie here. The audiences are engaged and pay attention. You don't have people passing every three seconds go to take a pee or just to stretch. They paid their money and they enjoy their show. Respectfully. There's barely even any sounds of crunching even if it is a packed house. It's a real pleasure. They laugh when its funny or go wow when it's exciting. They react when it's time to react and then get back to the movie.

That said, I haven't been to many shows where people applauded afterwards. Better applause at the end of the movie than laughing at being scared. (ugh) The only shows I can remember anyone applauding for, on either side of the ocean, was at Inglourious Basterds. The French clapped for that one and the Canadian audience I seen clapped as well. Both were genuine reactions of "Oh my God that was amazing" Both audiences hesitated a bit and the clapping was nervous to start and finish. But it just had to be done. I don't think anyone really knew what they were doing it was just a reaction.

Really though, applause is the least of my worries.

[jdparker]

the one time where I had no diea why there was applause at the end was Transformers 2. The whole crowd lost it, and my friends and I just stood there and wondered how people were putting up with this crap.

Sweet Avatar Hyde!!!!!!!

[echo_bravo]

THAT was the twist ending... m.night schooled yo ass lol

haha apparently;)

[NathanRomano]

After a screening of Audition, people cheered, and as we walked out, people were in just, awe of how 'amazing' it was. I, for one, hated that film.

This is a little off topic, but are me and my friend the only people to hate 'Audition'? My own brother, whose taste is practically identical to mine loved it. Did I miss something?

But sometimes I enjoy the applause in theaters. In fact, I just saw Aliens in 35mm last night and the line "Get Away From Her, You Bitch!" got some cheers and there was a small applause after the film. I dig that, cause it's an experience with everyone there. But after a film like Paranormal Activity, I don't like it. I just want to see the film and leave. That sounds a little contradictory, but it's more of a shared experience when you get to see your favorite films that you're very familiar with in 35MM with a ton of people that love it just as much as you. (The Big Lebowski, Rushmore, Oldboy, etc.)

[thebirdswillgetme]

I always feel so awkward when people clap.
Like, do you think the crew can hear you or something?

[SweetEnLow]

The biggest WTF applause came when the credits rolled for Lady in the Water. Literally, almost everyone in the theater were applauding and saying "damn that was great!"
My friends and I all thought the movie was utter shit and thought it was some elaborate prank by the audience or something.

Maybe they were happy it was over. :D


The only time I remember hearing applause was at the end of Spiderman.


During Titanic more than half the theater screamed out VICTOR NEWMAN when Eric Braeden appeared on screen.

[ThatGuy09]

I honestly don't find applause at the end of a movie to be annoying, unless the film is bad. It's just a nice feeling that people enjoyed it.

[moose1132]

I always feel so awkward when people clap.
Like, do you think the crew can hear you or something?

Yeah I feel the same way. I kind of cringe. It doesn't help that any time I've heard people applaud, it's for horrible fucking movies.

[Mr.HyDe807]

Sweet Avatar Hyde!!!!!!!

Thanks Jdparker. Fellow schmoe God Of War made it for me.

[LordSimen]

There was a standing ovation at my showing of Avatar tonight. It felt amazing to partake in it. :D

[Highspeed]

The only time I was ever in a theater with any type of applause was in the Mist where

Marcia Gay Hardens character got one between the eyes

I can't lie I was clapping too.

[electriclite]

The only time I was ever in a theater with any type of applause was in the Mist where

Marcia Gay Hardens character got one between the eyes

I can't lie I was clapping too.
I went to the premiere and people stood up and roared along with their applause. I definitely threw in an enthusiastic "YES!!!"

First time I heard applause in a movie was for Gladiator when Russell Crowe jams that spike right into Joaquin's neck. After all the shit he'd put him through, it was like the audiences' satisfaction was released with the same enthusiasm as the blood from his carotid.

Applause isn't necessarily for the people who make the film, its the audience demonstrating their enjoyment/satisfaction of the film as a whole, or a particular moment.

I concur with Jimmychopblock as well; I've had more than my fair share of movies ruined by the rude and inconsiderate, but applause has never been a factor in my ruined movie experience.

[echo_bravo]

I remember there were a number of moments when the audience really got into The Dark Knight (opening night).

Particularly when....(Spoilers for the 3 people on Earth who havent seen The Dark Knight yet)

When the batpod first appears. The moment is shoots out to action the crowd was cheering. And also when Batman appears behind the Joker during the interrogation scene. A lot of people in the theater didnt see that coming.

I have absolutely no problem with people clapping at the end of a film or even applauding during it(when something really cool happens). I mean, as long as its not something completely ridiculous like giving Clerks 2 a 20 minute standing ovation, its all good.;)

[electriclite]

I remember there were a number of moments when the audience really got into The Dark Knight (opening night).

Particularly when....(Spoilers for the 3 people on Earth who havent seen The Dark Knight yet)

When the batpod first appears. The moment is shoots out to action the crowd was cheering. And also when Batman appears behind the Joker during the interrogation scene. A lot of people in the theater didnt see that coming.

I have absolutely no problem with people clapping at the end of a film or even applauding during it(when something really cool happens). I mean, as long as its not something completely ridiculous like giving Clerks 2 a 20 minute standing ovation, its all good.;)
Not to mention when YOU KNOW WHO shows up again after the whole SWAT van chase and pulls the Joker off Batman.

The IMAX theatre just exploded with cheers and and clapping.... me included. God that movie was a fucking ride!

[Marley515]

I think applauding in movie theaters is kind of cheesy.
But to each his own.