It has educated barons, grooms-to-be and peers but now Debrett’s, the etiquette authority, has turned its attention to a much more ubiquitous audience: film fans.
Aimed at every one of the nation’s cinema-goers, the tips respond to the increasingly lost art of so-called ‘Cinetiquette’ – the proper way to behave at the movies.
In cinema’s early days, silent screenings were preceded with cards prompting considerate behaviour, such as warning against loud talking or whistling.
Ladies in the audience were told “kindly remove your hats” and, keen to keep the theatre’s chairs in one piece, the bashful were urged, “Please applaud with hands only.”
Today, train passengers see similar reminders, albeit in scrolling text form, explicitly asking them to be considerate and to keep the volume on music devices to a minimum.
But it seems reminders of good behaviour are also needed in cinemas, as two out of three adults say the Cinetiquette of people at their nearest big screen needs to improve.
The number one gripe, according to nearly half of all cinema-goers, is having your seat kicked from behind, followed at a distance by having your view blocked by someone fidgeting.
While kissing is permissible, a back-row smooch should be only occasional, as being overly amorous can be embarrassing for those sat nearby, Debrett’s said, reflecting on its research.
Being punctual for your film, so as not to disturb others, is a must, as is saving the rustling of sweet papers or the ‘crunch’ of popcorn for a louder scene, for the same reason.
Automatic 'no-nos' include throwing popcorn, leaving your mobile phone switched on and quoting or repeating lines of the film back to the party you are sat with.
"Over the past few years we have noticed an overall decline in the nation's cinema etiquette,” said Jo Bryant, from Debretts.com.
"Having someone kick you in the back of the seat or talking for the duration of the film can be a real pain and can spoil a trip to the cinema.
Andy Pearcey, from Orange, which co-commissioned the research, said: "Film fans want to see more than just good value: they want to immerse themselves in the action, kick back and enjoy the best movie experience possible. They do not want to be disturbed by raucous behaviour.”
So in the interests of others, Debrett's urged cinema-goers to follow its Cinetiquette guidelines:
1. Refrain from kicking the seat in front of you – get comfortable before the film starts and sit still
2. Don’t talk or whisper with your companions during the film – your chatter will be disruptive for others
3. Being overly affectionate in public is embarrassing for others, so keep back-row smooching to a minimum
4. Be punctual for the start of the film. Nobody wants their viewing interrupted by you trying to find a seat
5. Don’t rustle sweet wrappers. Open packets before the show starts, or wait for noisy scenes to avoid disturbing your neighbours
Aug 21, 2009
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