We all experience it from time to time when going to the theater; some disrespectful SOB who simply MUST take out their phone during a film to check their messages or Facebook page or what have you. Theater chains like the Alamo Drafthouse have taken a stand against this behavior and will righteously kick your ass to the curb if they catch you. AMC, on the other hand, may be considering more of a compromise. CEO Adam Aron is toying with the notion of ALLOWING folks to use their phones during a movie, if only in select theaters. See what he had to say to Variety below.
AMC Theaters CEO Adam Aron on cell phone use during a movie:
When you tell a 22-year-old to turn off the phone, don’t ruin the movie, they hear please cut off your left arm above the elbow. You can’t tell a 22-year-old to turn off their cellphone. That’s not how they live their life.
At the same time, though, we’re going to have to figure out a way to do it that doesn’t disturb today’s audiences. There’s a reason there are ads up there saying turn off your phone, because today’s moviegoer doesn’t want somebody sitting next to them texting or having their phone on. That’s one possibility. What may be more likely is we take specific auditoriums and make them more texting friendly.
I'm not going to pretend that I've never checked my phone during a film, but given the situation, I usually opt to stand near the exit of the theater (or outside) if it's going to be time-consuming. The idea of setting aside actual theaters not only confuses matters for audiences, but means that Aron is giving way too much credit to those who abuse their phone privileges during a movie. After all, if they're that willing to ruin the experience for everyone else, do you think they're going to take the time to make sure they get tickets for the right theater? What if the 'texting theater' is not showing a movie at the time they want to go? Aron may have just been spit-balling, but it's a pretty bad plan all-around.
What's your solution for those who use their phone during a movie?
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What’s Not Allowed