Going to the cinema alone is the saddest thing known to mankind.

Did you know that going to the cinema alone, is the saddest thing known to mankind?

That was the general reaction to saying I was watching a film on your own. It has barely changed but why?

There are something’s that need to be stated before we get into this argument or debate. I will concede that there seems to be an almost unsavoury taste for some, when one lonely soul states that they will be venturing to the theatre on their own. I imagine this is down to the thought of such an act being ultimately a bit sad, weird and anti-social. The strangeness and lonely nature of the act is magnified by the general experience people have in the cinema. Whether it’s with parents as young kids or through teenage years with mates or boyfriends/girlfriends we are used to a social event being the cinema event. 

As some may have seen, a viral video of a man looking extremely awkward as he walks into a ’50 Shades of Grey’ screening. This highlights a fact that people feel this situation is awkward enough to warrant a laugh, but the situation wouldn’t be awkward without the feeling that what he was doing was embarrassing. This may be to do with the nature of the film but also the fact he is without anyone else. IT’S JUST A FILM.

Another problem with single viewing of a film is it leaves some genres very difficult to watch on your own, like romance or younger audience movies that are also targeted for adults too (The LEGO movie). There is an added disadvantage in the lack of discussion and feedback we get from those who we go with. This for me is the best part of some visits and being able to discuss our favourite, worst, funniest or most confusing parts. It is the part in which we compare our interpretation of a piece of art to another. Also genres like comedy and romance can be better experienced with friends or partners as they are in part, intended for groups and social reactions. In my own experience, ‘22 Jump Street’, ‘This is the End’ and ‘The Interview’ have all been seen with and without friends and were all INFINITELY BETTER with friends…

I however have a different view on going on my own and although there are I somewhat regret that I don’t usually experience movies socially, there are some advantages.

I simply feel it gives you more freedom. More freedom in food/drink choice, seating position, time of screening, film, genre, space in your spot (armrest) and generally removes the hassle of meeting up. You can enjoy YOUR film/genre and at YOUR time with out any compromise. To combat the argument of ‘the crowd’ is important to a film’s effect, by seeing something on your own you have an unadulterated and uninfluenced experience.

My main argument against the cinema trip needing to be social is that when you watch films at home, curled up in bed on your laptop, you are doing exactly what I do at the cinema. But also what we all do at the cinema - minus the travel and size of screen. The act of watching a film is the same regardless of where you are. Moreover it is the same for all screen-based media. TV is the same, we invest in TV series and watch them in the dark on our own (usually) and then discuss over social media or next day at work. The cinema is just a public place to experience this form of media.

I've read some forums and other blogs that have started because people fear being embarrassed or seen as a ‘saddo’ and have asked for people’s opinions. Although responses are by people who probably have a vested interest in building a particular view, the vast majority of replies were in support and the main thread was “f*ck it” and do what you want.

Cheers for reading…