At Least Watch the Credits
Published November 16, 2002
I enjoy going into a movie theater, sitting down with a container of popcorn the size of a small child and a cherry cola. For the most part, a movie experience can be a nice, relaxing, mindless excursion.
The movie is coming to a close. The final volley was just shot, the last punchline delivered, the final dissolve after seeing the protagonist's face.
And right next to me, the young couples get on their jackets and leave the theater.
I have to say, this is one of the most frustrating parts of a movie for me: when the credits have not even begun, and there are already people leaving the theater.
So why would people leave the theater? I have no idea. Headaches? Heartaches? Backaches? There is no telling. However, I have a few thoughts on why they should at least watch the credits.
First, if the viewer enjoyed the movie, it is pleasant to stick around and discuss which your favorite scene was or who was your favorite character. It is a way to enjoy the alternate reality of the film which you just watched, without having to leave the comfortable, womb-like state of the movie theater.
Second, the credits can offer some extra views on the thought process of those involved in creating the motion picture you just watched. Just like the introductory sequences offer some previews of what may occur during the movie, the credits can be enlightening from the angle that you almost get to look into the mind of the director, producer, writer, etc.
Third, some credits are merely comical to watch. People tend to stay and watch their favorite actors and actresses in cutesy outtake scenes. People love to watch the actors, who, just ten minutes ago, were portraying real people in real situations, being themselves. It harkens back to the dual reality, that actors can be both attached to existence and yet have the ability to become alternate people in alternate times.
Finally, you just shelled out $6.50. As for me, I like to get the most bang for my buck. If I was just paid my hourly wages from Staples, you're mistaken if you think I am leaving that theater early. I am going to experience as much of the movie as I can.
- At Least Watch the Credits
- Published: November 16, 2002
- Type:
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: News
- Writer: Matt Valentine
- Matt Valentine's BC Writer page
- Matt Valentine's personal site
- Spread the Word
- Like this article?
- Email this
Save to del.icio.us
Comments on this articleComments
I'm in inveterate credits watcher, though I've gotta admit it can definitely be a test of your fortitude on the more FX-filled flicks: where even second cousins of the lowliest CGI techie seem to find their name on the screen . . .
I agree that some credits are a pain, in that, yes, it does take an army to produce a single animation.
So the question is Matty, did you like the movie :)
I see the watching of credits as a sign of respect. If I liked the movie and respect the work done on it I try to stay. Some people, however, show no respect and leave even if they loved the film. Thus I think ive pin pointed a problem with todays society.
I always stick around until the end on the off chance that there'll be some funny outtakes or a "go home, morons" message. I realize it's a little cliched for comedies to do this, but I still like it. Plus, I do want to see who the third actor in the back row of the crowd scene was. I just know I saw her somewhere before...
$6.50? I haven't paid $6.50 for a movie - regular or matinee - in years. Where are you paying $6.50 for a movie?
BTW, I always stay for the entire credits - it's a vestige of film snobbery.
The Fremont in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA. I get student rates. Hahaha!
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/1865)
Very good point - I'd never really thought of it that way. I'm usually in a hurry to get somewhere, or if we have the 3 year-old she is way ready to go by then end of the movie proper.