The Art of Movie Watching

If you're like me and spend an abundant amount of time watching films, you start to become ritualistic in your approach. And believe it or not, there's an appropriate way to screen movies. Here are three simple rules that will enable you to get the most out of your viewing experience:

Rule #1: Make Your Standards Known

If you're preparing to watch a movie that you've been dying to see, my first recommendation is to go at it alone. Isolation is the first step to maximizing your movie experience. However, if you're heading to a local theatre or if your significant other insists on watching it with you, then there's no way around the issue. But if you decide to screen a film in the company of others, make sure to voice your expectations. Habitual talking or untimely laughter can ruin a perfectly good flick. Therefore, before you begin the movie, let everyone around you know that you'd prefer no talking or any other kind of interruptions. Make your standards known and if you come to find that certain people have different expectations from you, then you can remember to blacklist those individuals in the future.

Rule #2: Pick an Appropriate Setting

Now that everyone is one the same page, determine an adequate setting for your viewing experience. Comfort is key, but remember that you can always be TOO comfortable. I've heard countless stories from my friends that go something like this, "I was really enjoying the movie, but then I fell asleep". 9 out of 10 times people who fall asleep during a movie do so because they're too comfortable, and not because the film is bad. Make sure you're relaxed and cozy, all while sitting in some sort of upright position. Never lay horizontal on a bed or couch, it's the easiest way to start snoozing. Furthermore, you should also consider things like room temperature, lighting, and proximity to the screen before you begin the film. Always make sure that the mood is appropriate for the picture you choose.

Rule #3: No Distractions

Once the mood is set and everyone's ready to start the movie, do your best to eliminate all distractions. Turn off or put away things like laptop computers and cell phones. To get the most out of any movie, it will require your full attention. Filmmakers, cast, and crew pour their hearts and souls into the final product, give their work the utmost respect it deserves and remove any outside distractions. Text messages and Facebook can wait a few hours, I promise you that the world isn't going to end if you tune it out for a short amount of time. Also, remember little things that can help to avoid interruptions later on, such as using the bathroom beforehand and pouring chips or snacks into a bowl. Nothing is more irritating than the rustling of bags and wrappers during an intense moment on screen. Prepare as best you can to eliminate any possibility of noisy distractions.

These are my best suggestions for maximizing your movie watching experience. To get the most out of a feature, the responsibility ultimately falls on you. Follow these 3 simple rules and hopefully you'll notice the difference.