People not clapping anymore - A rant

[The Shadow]

Does this happen to any of you guys? Here is the scenerio -

A spectacular movie has just ended. The credits start to roll by and the audience starts to get up. One or two people start clapping softly, then when nobody else chimes in it kind of dies away. Everyone knows they aren't clapping, but they don't really know why.

Does this kind of thing happen to you guys? I think clapping at the end of a film is like giving praise to those who made it possible. Lately however, it seems to have dissipated into one person clapping and then fading away. This really gets on my nerves because we have been clapping since movies first came around (it was originally used at the acting theater where people would clap to acknowledge the performer's work) and now, for some unknown reason, we have stopped.

This happens here in Los Angeles (and we all know what people here are like) and I was wondering if this happened anywhere else.

[idealdiscountdude]

When I saw Harry Potter, I saw the first showing on opening day at 11 AM.

The theatre was packed, however me and my friends were the youngest people there, we are all 19. So it was all adults.

When the credits started to roll, people started to clap and then the entire cinema, including myself and my friends joined in. It was really nice, and yes we were applauding because the film was pure magic.

[Dumb-Fokker-**]

At my first showing of Harry Potter there was clapping as ideal described it, and at three of the showings of LotRs I went to there was clapping when Aragorn cut off Lurtzs head, and at the end. At the other two showings there was scattered clapping, but not like the other times. And can you believe I actualy heard clapping at *gasp* Pearl Harbor. .....oh well,........

[notchreturns]

Maybe, at one of this so-called spectacular movies the audiences are in such awe and amazement they don't know what to think or do.That happens to me alot.

[Cyclonus]

I almost never see people clap at a movie, except when it's a Star Wars film!

[inglourious basterd]

I think that the only movie I saw where the entire audience was clapping was Patch Adams. It was truly strange.

The last time I was in a situation similar to "the Shadow" was in "We Were Soldiers". Actually the fact that the person had the audacity to clap (at the moment they chose to do so) pissed me off beyond belief. The reason is because that dumb fuck was cheering when the Vietnamese were getting mowed down by napalm. It was completely inappropriate...but I think that she was genuinely clapping. (Note to those who didnt see it: I didnt really consider that a spoiler because it has little to do with the actual essence of the film).

As for me, I dont usually clap for a good movie... The reaction that I value most is when a movie causes a priceless moment of silence. Thats what I go to the movies for.

[This message has been edited by psudoazn (edited 03-24-2002).]

[Scrunch]

Around here in Los Angeles we have a pretty high number of people who do stay for the credits to run all the way through. But it's a rare occasion that people clap. Honestly I don't feel the need to clap. It's a movie for pete's sake, not a stage show.

However there are a few movies that do get applause and they are usually the awesome blockbuster things like Star Wars or the opening night of Lord of the Rings etc.

The other week some people in the theater did clap for Time Machine though. Man that was weird. I figured they didn't get out much.

But no, I don't think it's in bad taste at all. Personally I spend the time watching the credits, listening to the end music and commenting on the film with whoever I'm with. I'm more along the lines of it's weird to clap for any old movie.

On a similar note one of the movies I remember about 10 years ago seeing and having it get huge applause at the end was a preview screening I saw of Aladdin. Saw it at Manhattan with a bunch of press mixed in with Disney Store employees and their families. Thunderous applause.

But that's not all. The scene in the middle of the movie where the Genie first comes and does the "Friend Like Me" number was such a showstopper that people not only clapped for it but in the middle of the film there was a standing ovation. That was wild.

[XCoRyX]

i saw and helped start clapping for blade 2 and halloween H20

[Quebec-Joel]

I just wonder what we applaude. It just doesn't feel right to me to stand there infront a silver screen and clap hands.

I would only if some people involved in the production of the movie are around... like in a festival or something. Not in a normal theatre.

[BitchTits]

It's very rare for even 2 people to clap at a movie when I go see one.

When I saw Harry Potter, the entire theatre clapped. But, then again they all clapped and cheered when the opening credits rolled. I guess it was over-enthusiastic Potter fans.

When LOTR ended, about 15 people clapped.

Th entire audience clapped at the end of X-Men.

About 10 people clapped at the end of Resident Evil and Blade 2.

[This message has been edited by BitchTits (edited 03-24-2002).]

[Scarface98.9]

when I see movies, usually ppl don't clap, but u hear many people afterwards say "Dude, that movie as god!" or "Dude, that kicked/sucked ass!" but there are certain movies and scenes where their is positive reaction, like at the end of Resident Evil and Blade 2. but its irritating when I saw Blade 2, where it shows Whistler shirtless, and someone said "Dude, he's got tits!"

[bankholdup]

Alot of people clapped at the end of E.T. and that put a smile on my face.

[herculeez]

I can't say i've experienced a time in my life when a film finished in the cinema and the audience applauded it.
So i'm not too bothered that people don't clap, because i'm not used to it http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

It would be nice to experience though.

[dicaprio_travolta_man]

When I saw A Beautiful Mind, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings in the theatres everyone clapped at the end. It seems to be a regular thing at my theatre when there is actually a good movie out.




[This message has been edited by dicaprio_travolta_man (edited 03-24-2002).]

[Andrew Tom]

People here in Finland don't clap. At anything. Unless there's the director, writer or cast present at the viewing.

I guess we just can't be bothered.

[Strider]

Well, I happen to live in the L.A. area. But I don't go to the theaters there a lot. So I can't really say anything about them.

Anyway, it happens a lot over at my local theaters. Just recently, it happened during Blade II. The theater was jam packed. And everybody was really into it, but then as soon as the credits started rolling, nobody clapped!!! I mean, that kind of pissed me off. I clapped as hard as I could, but it just died off. WTF!!! The audience was really into it, and wonder why they didn't clap. Are they embarrassed, or what?????

Oh BTW, the last time I saw a movie where everybody clapped was, uh, I don't remember. It's been that long, I guess.

Strider

[AlienClown]

I remember when I saw the re-release of the Star Wars films in theaters everyone clapped at the end for all three. I think that's possibly the most memorable time I've ever been there when something like that has happened. The only other possibilties I can think of are The Phantom Menace, Braveheart, and MAYBE Jurassic Park.

[ParileseMonster]

Well for one most movies suck and do not deserve a clap, Two-We expect too much for an audience because we have been spoiled to not expect the unexpected hence it is hard to dazzle us anymore. Three your statement is not all together true, I heard a great round of applause from Lord of the rings and I will tell you why and it is simply because LOTR is the most original thing to come out in a long time. It is a story from the past brought to the present. The story came from a time where people knew how to write and be creative and imaginative. That my friend had the stuff that could dazzle an audience and that is the kind of thing that grabs you and compells you with an overwhelming emotion to clap, clap , clap! http://www.joblo.com/ubb/tongue.gif

[This message has been edited by ParileseMonster (edited 03-25-2002).]

[Jordan]

Interesting topic. I live in a very small town, and I can't remember the last time I heard an audience clap for the movie when it was over. My father was a film buff, so when I was a little kid, we got used to watching all the credits at the end while the rest of the audience all jumped up and ran for the exits. We were always the last people to leave the theater, and even though he is gone now, I always insist on watching all the credits. I'm still the last person out of the theater. I guess I just want the magic to last as long as possible. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[The Shadow]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by ParileseMonster:
your statement is not all together true...

[This message has been edited by ParileseMonster (edited 03-25-2002).]</font>

I don't understand how you can say that what happened to me is not true. It does happen to me on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not it happens to you. To state that something that has happened to me is false without knowing anything about the situation is absurd. It happens to me where I see movies, at the movies I watch.

[daddiefatsacks]

when Blade popped out of the blood pool in Blade II and goes "You do not know, who you...are FUCKING with" the crowd went apeshit

[Delmore Schwartz]

Here in Australia and New Zealand too, when I lived there briefly, audiences would clap for anything that was innovative or caught them by surprise.

I remember seeing a "Simpsons" short, before"The War of the Roses" and when it ended, there was a brief pause before everyone clapped and cheered, the short was shown before the show was on t.v. yet and people were just blown away.

But clapping is getting rarer, maybe it is because movies are getting more predictable, who the fuck knows?

[Whiggles]

To be honest it actually annoys me quite a bit if people start clapping. In my opinion, all that noise detracts from the film. The worst thing, though, is people starting to leave right in the middle of the last scene. I just don't understand it, people leaving before the credits even start to roll. I always make a point of staying until the closing credits have finished.

[sloopyfan]

I generally disagree with clapping, especially in movies, who are we clapping for? I find it annoying and pretentious it is not like we are at a play or a concert where the people involved can hear you.

[Puck Bond]

There have been a few instances of clapping when I have gone to the theatre...

Gladiator at the end...

The Lord of the Rings...the first 2 times I saw it(packed audiences) clapped when Aragorn lopped off Lurtz's head and at the end...

A Beautiful Mind at the end...

[bigred760]

I remember a few people clapping at the end of Blade II (and I clapped during it a few times, but not that much or loud).
Star Wars I - Phantom Menace there was lots of clapping and stuff at the beginning and the end.
I also remember the Mighty Ducks II having a large cheering section at the end. It's amazing what you can remember I guess.

[A.J. Hakari]

A number of people clapped during the final game in FOR LOVE OF THE GAME. A scant few gave a round of applause to REMEMBER THE TITANS, and for some odd reason, the house roared with clapping when the pygmy mummies were thwarted in THE MUMMY RETURNS.

[Horror whore]

I love when people clap. It makes me happy.

*****PANIC ROOMS SPOILERS*****

When Jodie Foster got Raoul with the sledgehammer at the end the whole audience clapped and cheered and screamed. and then wehen the black guy (forgot his name) shot Raoul in the head at the very end they also cheered and screamed.


*****END SPOILERS******

And other movies people cheered after were: Harry Potter, The Others, POTA (most because it was over), and The Mothman Prophecies.

But it was strange when I saw LOTR. There was no clapping and I heard at least four guys express their dislike for the film on my way out. Probably guys who haven't read the books and expected an ending...

[JDog83]

Clapping is usually for stage shows...not movies. You clap at stage shows to show the performers gratitute. No one is there to hear you clap at a movie except for the audience.....you aren't telling the people who made the film "good job!"

[FilmBuff84]

I remember when I saw TITANIC, the audience clapped when Kate Winslet's character spat in Billy Zane's face.

And when MOULIN ROUGE ended, the audience clapped, just I guess because it was the magical experience of that movie.

[Dunch]

I clapped during the LOTR previews man. I clapped after the big spider-man trailer when parker says "Im spider man" and everyone joined in with me, it was great. I clapped a lot. Then the usher bitched at me. that fuckin whore.

[Dunch]

and oh yeab, by the way...

I could have written a better Episode One.

[Annie Hall]

I have never felt comfortable clapping after a movie. After a trip to the theater, the actors are *there* they can hear you and appreciate your applause. While, in a movie, the actors could really care less if you are clapping. It's how you felt about the movie, how it affected you, not really your initial reaction that matters in a trip to the movies. I've always felt that clapping was a way of thanking the actors, and that the bow was a way of sayin "your welcome, come again". Unless they start bowing at the end of a movie (you know...American Beauty, pan out on the street...the screen goes black...up go the lights...and on comes Kevin Spacey and the entire cast, laughing, patting each other on the back and then...bow...the applause continues and they leave) I'm not clapping. :D

[electriclite]

SPOILERS FOR GLADIATOR









When Maximus jammed Commodus' dagger into his neck the audience cheered out loud and then clapped at the very end of the film.

People also clapped at the end of Bowling for Columbine and Far from Heaven when I went to see those movies in the theatre.

I was also told that at the end of a Beautiful Mind people also clapped.


I don't agree that you should not clap at the end of the movie. Its entertainment, clapping is just an expression of gratitude and appreciation for what you have paid for to see.

[Annie Hall]

Originally posted by electriclite
I don't agree that you should not clap at the end of the movie. Its entertainment, clapping is just an expression of gratitude and appreciation for what you have paid for to see.

Agreed. It's also totally and completely optional. "Freedom, baby... is never having to say you're sorry.";)

[boggie]

Well, I have only been to one showing where the audience clapped at the end, and it was my fault. When it finshed, I turned to my friend and clapped my hands together, a la "man that rocked". The ass behind me started to clap, and everyone joined in.

When I went to see Godzilla, there was a big group of Spanish tourists in the theatre, although I don't know why they went as they had no english. Anywho, they couldn't understand what was going on, so they clapped every time there was an explosion or similar.

Which pissed me off.

[A.J. Hakari]

There are a couple of occasions when my fellow moviegoers clap out loud. They did so during the last game in FOR LOVE OF THE GAME, when the pygmy mummies in THE MUMMY RETURNS were thwarted, and, most recently, at the end of HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS.

It's great when people clap at a movie, because as not many people do it anymore, you know that the movie has truly reached these people in some way.

[Morgana]

I've never clapped at the end of a movie in my life, I save that for live performances. But I've heard it, and it struck me as rather odd.

[Rated R]

Both times I've seen Bowling for Columbine at the Oxford Theatre in Halifax the entire audience clapped at the end, and it was packed both nights. I was amazed to see it because no one had ever clapped other than me at the movied I have seen.

[Ender]

Originally posted by Puck Bond
The Lord of the Rings...the first 2 times I saw it(packed audiences) clapped when Aragorn lopped off Lurtz's head and at the end...



That happened with my audience too, and with a few others I've talked to. Sort of odd, but it was a cool moment.

Generally though, I see clapping after a film as useless. It's not as though anyone directly involved with the film is there to hear you. If you want to express your appreciation of their work, then recommend the movie to others so that it'll gross more at the box office.

I do however stay through the credits. A lot of people worked hard to put this movie out, the least they deserve is to have their name read once.

[Jason]

When the the Star Wars logo flashed on screen for Episode 2(opening night) everyone in the theatre was clapping. It was pretty cool actually.

[Reigh Kaufman]

True story. The only time I have ever seen an audience spontaneously burst into applause at the end of the movie was for...Young Einstein, starring Yahoo Serious. True story, I swear.

[Kastman]

It probably happens a lot at big premieres and such, even if the movie sucks. Because some people who are involved might be there, but i have NEVER been in a movie where people have clapped. They just get up and go. I'd join in if it was there, but i ain't about to go around clap-startin this place.

[A.J. Hakari]

Originally posted by Jason
When the the Star Wars logo flashed on screen for Episode 2(opening night) everyone in the theatre was clapping. It was pretty cool actually.

I'm glad you had just clapping. When I went there, some guy yelled "Fuckin' ruuuuuules!" when the Fox logo came up...

...And no, it wasn't me. :p

[James Logan]

Well, here in France, for big events it happens all the time. STAR WARS, both EPISODE I and EPISODE II, people were clapping when the STAR WARS logo appeared and in the end. HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE got clapping in the end. LOTR: FOTR got a long standing ovation as the end credits rolled. And all Bond movies I've seen in the theaters got clapping, even the less good ones like TOMORROW NEVER DIES.

I don't want clapping to happen too often. I love it when it happens just once in a hundred times, and that's when you can feel the whole audience (the WHOLE of it!) is thankful for the movie they just saw, so thankful they're applauding someone who isn't anywhere around. I think it's a great moment and one that proves the power of movies and the magic of cinema.