Shut up, already

YES

Way to go, Alamo! As one who lives in Austin, I have to agree that the Alamo Drafthouse is a wonderful venue. The Paramount, a local historic theater, also gets kudos for its summer film series, in which it shows classics and other films seldom seen on the big screen anymore. Great place to catch a silent film with a live orchestra. It'll make you feel like you've stepped back in time!

Wow... this is so beautiful, I want to cry.

I wonder if this applies to laughing, crying, or explosive ejaculations of honest upset, terror or joy (not THAT kind of ejaculations).

I hate the person behind you talking about the plot or whatnot, but I can't stay mad at someone having an empassioned reaction to something in the movie, even if its not something I would do, or even completely opposite to what my reaction would be. Like someone laughing at a sudden death on screen that I feel appalled and empty afterwards, or vice-versa.

I saw No Country for Old Men twice in the theater, and both times I was struck by many contrary reactions to things. Like sudden actions that come out of nowhere.

Kill the cellphone people in my opinion, there is no excuse, EVEN if you're a doctor [sidenote, my MD father's cell phone went of during a live and intimate piano performance in which the performer actually stopped, but oddly thought it was cool, and began again].

Kill the cellphone people in my opinion, but have damn good watchers who can destinguish reasonable reaction verbosity, and unreasonable conversational chatter.

Or else, like the girl at the Barney Frank press conference, the theater's policy edges close to a Nazi policy

Miles Blanton

PS Couldn't help but embody Godwin's law :)

I much prefer this one, though you'd only be able to show it in front of R-rated movies. (So Not Work Safe):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRVt1clJjgw

JE: I love that, too.

Don't mess with Texas.

Is it wrong to say that the Drafthouse doesn't go far enough? Why stop at mere ejection? I'm almost not kidding. I've always found it extremely weird how the most talky audiences I've encountered are at art films. I've seen blockbusters with sold-out crowds in the bad part of L.A. with less talking than most art movies I make it out to. What I don't get about the art film talkers is how usually it's because they're bored or disturbed in some way they can't quite put their finger on -- so they need to comment or clarify what's going on with their companion. But how do these people find their way to films what make them feel this way? How can they be patient and open-minded enough to attend a difficult film, but not have what it takes to watch one in silence? And why don't they have the spine to leave if they really hate it? I almost never say or do the right thing to these people, but one of the proudest moments of my movie-going life took place as I dealt with an art film talker in the middle of Carlos Reygadas' THE BATTLE IN HEAVEN. The film builds slowly and inevitably to one highly disturbing moment of extreme violence. As we got closer to that moment, the tension in the air was palpable. All of us were rapt and quiet, save for one boner sitting directly over my left shoulder. He had been chattering quietly the whole time to his buddy and himself. But just as the film got really intense he said rather loudly: "This film is so stupid." And I turned around, looked him in the eyes and said: "Then shut up and leave." And he did. Shut up, that is. Even though he stayed. And I actually heard several people applaud what I'd said--they clapped not for the movie, but for me. And it almost made up for the many times I never confronted a talker.

I just moved to Texas and I have to say . . . seems like I made a good decision.

In my experience, the Alamo already draws such a sophisticated audience (people who know how to watch a movie: if its dramatic you're quiet, it its funny you laugh - and at the right moments) that the warning is largely unnecessary. Throw that up in the local AMC megaplex and then you have something.

To answer the question:

"I wonder if this applies to laughing, crying, or explosive ejaculations of honest upset, terror or joy"

Nope, that sort of reaction is encouraged! That's why we go to the movies in the first place. We just eject people that are being disruptive to the communal viewing experience.

Tim League
founder
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Unfortunately, the folks who need to see these signs the most miss it 'cause they're too busy talkin'...

RE: Evan Water (youtube video)

Actually, they show that video at the Alamo Drafthouse, as well! Awesome place that deserves every plug it gets.

Evan!

The Alamo actually plays part of that Mastadon video already before screenings.

I live in Austin and the Alamo is one of my favorite places. The best part about these aren't just the message, but the video they usually show with it consisting of someone talking and either getting eaten by an alien, shot, or killed in some other way. They are incredibly amusing! I do have to agree with Ted about the sophisticated audience, people in Austin know how to watch, pick, and enjoy movies!

The Drafthouse is great not only because they advocate the QUIET ZONE, but because they're a true movie-lover's paradise. Their quiet policy is in effect for their first run features, but they have wonderfully zany events like "quote-alongs" and "Master Pancake Theatre" (Think Mystery Science Theatre) where the audience is expected to interact. They know that real movie lovers know when to be quiet, just as they know when to hoot and holler.

And in all my years of going to the Drafthouse, I've only had to raise an order card to complain once. It was read immediately by a server who quietly asked me to point in the direction of the noisemaker. She was a drunk woman yelling at the screen during an evening show. The server quickly got a manager who personally asked the woman to be quiet. When that didn't work, she was asked to leave the theatre. That sign Roger posted is no joke, folks. The Drafthouse means what they say.

I hate to keep spewing my love of this place, but I recently moved from Austin to New York. Though it's a mecca for serious moviegoers, I already miss the Alamo (as it's referred to in Austin). No arthouse in Manhattan can compare to the "BADASS CINEMA" found in Austin, TX.

Thanks a lot, Jim. My only memory of the Alamo is watching Before Sunrise there several years back. And now, despite being all tired and needing to be refreshed for tomorrow, I have to watch Sunrise again.

Evan, they actually do play a shortened version of that Mastadon video in front of some movies.

I've been going to the Drafthouses for the past five years and have never seen anyone thrown out... simply because their typical customer doesn't leave their phone on and doesn't talk during movies.

@Kevin Eyman actually, at the drafthouse, it gets sooo quiet during the quiet zone screen that the people who ARE talking shut up real quick.

thank you tim, for the drafthouses :)

I just moved from Austin, but never could have imagined how much I would miss the Drafthouse-- more than almost anything else about the city. It is integral to enjoying your Austin experience. GO.

Just don't jabber while you're watching.

I used to live in Austin and practically lived at the Alamo Drafthouse. Even though I'm exiled in Houston now, I still go back every chance I get. I was just there this past weekend! I don't go to the movies as much as I'd like anymore, partly because I'm so spoiled on the perfect atmosphere at the Drafthouse. If there is a heaven, it's an eternal all-nighter at the Alamo Drafthouse.

I love the Alamo! I have been fortunate enough to go to Harry Knowles' birthday film festival Butt-Numb-A-Thon at Tim's fabulous Alamo for a few years now. Even when watching movies for 24-hours straight, the shut-the-hell-up rule's still in effect.

In '04 when we saw Phantom Of The Opera (3 weeks before release date)--- two people were mocking the film, and Harry found out, neither has been allowed to come back to his BNAT/party/film fest because he didn't appreciate it (from what I understand). And one of the people came from the UK, and the other L.A. to be in Austin.

Last December, once BNAT was over, I went the very next day to see ROBOCOP on the big screen and to have a $5 milkshake just 'cause I love The Alamo so much. I have a few of their BADASS CINEMA shirts, and I rock them in Atlanta proudly.

I recently drove from Atlanta to Dallas (via Austin) just so I could take my boyfriend there, see some of my pals I only get to see once a year, and take in a film at the Drafthouse.
Like many premiers or sneaks...Tim hosted the writers and director of the film (The Collector) and there was a Q & A afterwards with the audience.

Stuff like this, on a Wednesday night just makes me wish like hell that more theatre owners made the effort to be awesome like Tim & Co. His whole staff really loves movies, and you know it in the programming of special events and how careful the waitstaff is when walking in front of each row to deliver food.

I am a 5'1 girl, and will tell anyone to knock it off when on the phone or texting. If you want to be rude--take it outside.

Thanks, Roger, for highlighting the Alamo and their love of movies in the dark with strangers.

-a lover of The Alamo

I love the Alamo! I have been fortunate enough to go to Harry Knowles' birthday film festival Butt-Numb-A-Thon at Tim's fabulous Alamo for a few years now. Even when watching movies for 24-hours straight, the shut-the-hell-up rule's still in effect.

In '04 when we saw Phantom Of The Opera (3 weeks before release date)--- two people were mocking the film, and Harry found out, neither has been allowed to come back to his BNAT/party/film fest because he didn't appreciate it (from what I understand). And one of the people came from the UK, and the other L.A. to be in Austin.

Last December, once BNAT was over, I went the very next day to see ROBOCOP on the big screen and to have a $5 milkshake just 'cause I love The Alamo so much. I have a few of their BADASS CINEMA shirts, and I rock them in Atlanta proudly.

I recently drove from Atlanta to Dallas (via Austin) just so I could take my boyfriend there, see some of my pals I only get to see once a year, and take in a film at the Drafthouse.
Like many premiers or sneaks...Tim hosted the writers and director of the film (The Collector) and there was a Q & A afterwards with the audience.

Stuff like this, on a Wednesday night just makes me wish like hell that more theatre owners made the effort to be awesome like Tim & Co. His whole staff really loves movies, and you know it in the programming of special events and how careful the waitstaff is when walking in front of each row to deliver food.

I am a 5'1 girl, and will tell anyone to knock it off when on the phone or texting. If you want to be rude--take it outside.

Thanks, Jim, for highlighting the Alamo and their love of movies in the dark with strangers.

-a lover of The Alamo

I love the videos they play before the warning... "Don't talk during the movie... or Danny DeVito will come to your house and cut your tongue out."

The Drafthouse is definitely one of the best perks of living in Austin... from free showings (Terror Tuesday/Weird Wednesday), premieres (I was lucky enough to see the secret sneak peek of 'Star Trek' 5 weeks before it opened), and special events featuring director Q&As, Master Pancake Theater (which I have no missed since I got to town, hilarious), and themed film feasts.

It also helps that the owners, Tim and Karrie League, are just the nicest people. Can't wait for their new bowling lane / bar / diner to open (called 'The Highball') next to Alamo South Lamar.

I like the basic point here, but I would've been lost if they hadn't let me & my buddies make a series of wisecracks during Vantage Point. We all work in the TV biz and the scenes in the production truck were laughably unrealistic. The least they should give us for the 12 bucks we each paid to see that terrible movie was the right to mock it for each other's benefit.

Then again, the cell phone thing can get nuts. There was a guy in my theatre during The Simpsons Movie, which is, what, 90 minutes long. I could see the light from his cell phone (and often hear him talking on it) at least a dozen times during the flick....and he was halfway across the theatre! Somebody should've booted that guy right out the door.

As for audience interaction, one of the most fun times I've ever had at the movies was Barbershop. The crowd was loud and REALLY into the movie (some even got up and gestured at the screen at times), which made that particular flick that much better.

So how about this---quiet murmuring with your friends from time to time? Tolerable. Cell phones including texting? No way. Wisecracks during really stupid movies like Vantage Point? Well, that should be EXPECTED! ;)

I don't object to the idea. Good idea. But I do object to the tone.

Alamo - you are shifting the culture of your employees and your customers when you tolerate profanity in the workplace. Further, to 'take your ass out' smacks of violence.

Tim - can you change this message to tone it down?

Being an Austinite as well, of course I love the Alamo. But I agree it's the multiplexes that need these warnings. I was at one of the local Regal theaters watching Funny People and one of those jerks who actually ANSWERS THEIR CELL PHONE was in the audience. Then, one lady said "Please turn that off," and instead of doing so, he cursed at her and continuted to fumble with his phone. Next thing you know, the entire audience was berating him, until he was shamed into leaving and never came back. It was beautiful.
Of course the other main draw of the Alamo is the restaurant-style food you can get there, for semi-reasonable prices. The last time I was at a regular theater I got and medium popcorn, drink and candy, and the girl behind the counter with no irony at all said, "Oh, those three together are a combo and you get a discount! That'll be 13.50!" I was so shocked I had to ask how much it would have been WITHOUT the discout. "About $16" again, with a straight face. At the Drafthouse I could have gotten a burger, fries and a shake for that much! So yeah, the Drafthouse is pretty awesome.

The no talking, no cell phones rule is great. Unfortunately it doesn't stop the movie-goers all over the theater from crunching their nachos and slurping their beer throughout the most dramatic of films. I used to love the Alamo Drafthouse because I could eat and drink while watching movies. Now I've soured on the idea.

I'm going to have to take a contrarian point here: I think sometimes cineastes miss the social aspect of cinema and movie theaters. As technology and crumbling community spaces mixed with bad economic times have eroded other antiquated entertainments, people still love to go to the movies--why? Well, the truth is that it's only partly because of the film on the screen. A lot of times, it's to be among a group of like people enjoying a time out in public. And a lot of those film-going experiences, the ones that are most gratifying, do not necessarily involve complete silence and compliance on the part of the audience.

In many ways, it is up to the film itself to engage the audience enough to get them to forget that they are in a room full of their peers. Notice that, 9 times out of 10, when there is a scene in a film that takes place in a movie theater, the protagonists are not silently watching the film: they are talking, interacting, having a pivotal dramatic moment. For so many, especially younger viewers, this is what a movie house is all about.

Now, of course if I go to a film I don't necessarily want an unruly mob constantly distracting from the film itself; but at the same time, I think a filmgoer should be able to decide for him/herself, within reason, what his/her reaction to the film on the screen is. Which is why the mention of bouncers and threats of ejection of "unruly" patrons just seems, at the least, a violation of the spirit of cinema.

For instance, I think the concept of "talking" during a movie is a somewhat fluid thing: does this mean that one friend can't explain to the other a confusing plot point from a film they are watching? Or one catch the other up on what happened when one of them went to the bathroom? Personally, I enjoy a film a lot more when I can hear the vocal reactions of my fellow moviegoers-- it's part of what makes a film in a theater so much more awesome than watching it on video at home.

I'm not really commenting on this particular theater itself so much as on the general culture I see brewing in generations weened on imbibing cinema at home who are increasingly unwilling to join the great unwashed in a communal film experience that is filled with the elements of the unexpected and unpredictable that come with any interaction with others.

I don't love going to the cinemas as much as I used to, and a major reason is fellow audience members. There are two kinds who annoy me to death; the talkers, but also those who believe that everyone else should hear their reactions. So if they laugh, they laugh loudly, and so loudly in fact that they can be hard on the other side of the theatre. Although some of the worst film goers IMO are film students who think that watching a film at Uni is just an opportunity to hang out with their friends.

Anyway, the Alamo sounds awesoe; I really wish we had a cinema like that here in Melbourne, Australia.

I'll remember The Alamo.

This no talking advert at The Alamo is all well and good, but where is the basement?

JE: Let's ask Pedro and Inez!

Ryan, you are an idiot. It is not your job to decide whether the movie is good for other people. And we don't find you funny. If you don't like the movie, leave. If you choose to stay, shut up and laugh about it afterwards. You are as big a problem as the texter, the needy cell phone person, or someone who yells at the screen. The fact that you are too vapid to realize this just shows that more movie theaters need bouncers to "take your ass out". It does not matter one whit wether it is Vantage Point or any other movie.

I rarely go to the movies anymore for just this reason. I have on many occasions gotten the manager and they have removed the offending party from the theater. I don't mind missing some of the movie if I get the chance to teach the Ryan's of the world a lesson.

A few months ago someone got shot in a theater for talking during a movie in Phila. I'm not for violence, but if you ruin my sacred experience for your own selfish reasons you might just be asking for it.

I live in Austin and ONLY go to Alamo and one other indie theater for this very reason. I've never heard anyone talking excessively because it is so clear that it is not going to be tolerated there.

It is not a silent audience...the whisper Nazi is not going to get you if you lean over to say something to your friend. This is about having a not having a conversation, loudly explaining what just happened, and yes, mocking the movie while others are trying to enjoy the show.

They have PLENTY of opportunity for mocking (Master Pancake), quote-alongs, sing-alongs, and every other thing you can imagine. Not to mention the fact that you can enjoy a converstion during the hilarious pre-show entertainment instead of sitting silently while ads for televisions and sodas BLARE in your face for 30 minutes. Enjoy that visiting time. You got there 45 mins early, right? If not, do it next time.

I LOVE YOU ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE! (and your fried pickles, too!)

To Dan B. above regarding "the great unwashed": I love seeing films with other people. The problem for me isn't normal reactions like laughter or gasping or even intermittent catching-up-from-peebreaks chattering. I don't even mind obnoxious eaters. In my experience it's more likely that the people who really don't know how to shut up and watch the film act like it's they who are at home, so they can say or do anything they want--including texting and talking loudly on their phone. And they can rip on and narrate long stretches of the movie as if they are sitting in their living room with a couple of good friends. Movie theater talkers are the ones who lack respect for the communal nature of the experience. It's the height of narcissism--imagining that what you have to say is more important than the film itself -- the reason everyone else came. The most important interaction I have with my fellow audience members is the experience of the film itself--granting the film our collective undivided attention. It's a profound experience and like the deepest nature of cinema--it's completely nonverbal.

Ted, RE: "In my experience, the Alamo already draws such a sophisticated audience... that the warning is largely unnecessary."

The Alamo draws all kinds, my friend, and I have seen the Alamo crew follow through and eject chatty or beligerent patrons.

Thanks, Alamo!

The Alamo Drafthouse has spoiled me for other movie theaters. Common-sense policies (that are actually enforced) plus their awesome menu puts them in a class of their own. I never have to worry about toddlers running up and down the aisles or tweens texting the entire movie ruining it for everyone. I

Reminds me of the incompetent management at the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville. People take flash photos during the movie. I complain to the management, and they suggest I move to another seat so it won't bother me as much. God, I wish there was a higher manager I could go to!

I've seen dozens of screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse, and while the staff is very friendly and unquestionably movie-friendly, they *will* show a stern hand to rude patrons.

The best thing about the pre-show "shush" spots is that there's a lot of them. Some are movie clips related to chatty moviegoers (like a classic scene from DEMONS), and others are spots recorded by Alamo guests. The R. Lee Ermey one is a true classic, the Chuck Norris one is awesome, and Uwe Boll's is just great.

The Drafthouse's tongue-in-cheek yet still "serious" attitude about movie-watching seems to be infectious: You can actually sit in a packed house and NOT HEAR CHATTER. It's lovely.

I have to echo Scott Weinberg. The Alamo Drafthouse's fun attitude combined with the fact that at the end of the day they take movies very seriously is what makes it one of my favorite places.

I live in Austin and can not imagine seeing a movie anywhere else. The staff is very attentive and mean business when there is someone being disruptive in the movie theater.
I can't move away because the Alamo has ruined me for other movie theaters.
oh, and their pizzas ROCK.

http://www.ifc.com/blogs/indie-eye/2009/08/all-quiet-at-the-alamo.php

It's great that the Alamo takes such a serious attitude about chatter/cell phone noise...but honestly, I'd much rather hear someone talking than noisily eating or slurping their drink. I love that the Alamo seats early enough for most folks to get most of their eating and drinking done prior to show time, but inevitably there are those who arrive as the lights are dimming, order one of everything on the menu, and then spend the whole movie chomping and smacking. Damn, I sound like a grumpy old lady;-) I totally get that eating during the movie is the whole DAMN POINT, but perhaps along with the reminder to turn off our cells and shuts up (Homestar Runner is my favorite spot), there could be a reminder to CHEW WITH YOUR MOUTH SHUT, DON'T CRUNCH YOUR ICE, and when the straw begins to sputter, YOUR DRINK IS GONE. Just a thought. Because I love the Alamo, really, I do.

I live in Austin and have become so spoiled to the Quiet Zone policy that, unless truly desperate, I will not see a movie anywhere else but the Drafthouse.

With ticket prices the same, or a bit lower, than impersonal megaplexes, and no commercials before the movies, even if you don't want something to eat or drink, why not go the the Drafthouse? Even the crowd it better there. No kids under 6. No one under 18 unless accompanied by their parents. (What 15 year old wants to go the the movies with mom and dad?) Just a great bunch of Austinites who are there to see the movie! Or the Master Pancake show. Or to sing along. Or to Quote along. Or to heckle. Etc... You just can't beat the Drafthouse!