Web Exclusive: Movie Theater Says 'No Texters Allowed'
Tuesday, May 01, 2012 3:14PM
Should people be allowed to text in movie theaters? Is the glaring light of cell phones a rude distraction?
here is a debate raging among theater owners on whether people should be allowed to text in movie theaters. Tim League, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse took a stand, saying he'd allow texting "Over my dead body." Do you agree?
In this web exclusive, Tim joined Anderson via Skype, saying that at his theater in Austin, Texas employees are trained to kick out people who are texting.
Filed Under: As Seen On The Show
Comments
We first posted our article on Movie Manners about ten years ago as we were developing the site we have now... http://cinemasightlines.com/cinemas_etiquette.php
I will only go to the Alamo Drafthouse to see a movie! It's the best. Their policies along with their irreverent personality make the experience so much more than just going to see a film. And why in the world would you want to text in a theater?? You came to watch a movie!
...and THAT is why true cinema fans call him "Saint Tim"!
I travel every year from California to Texas for Fantastic Fest, a week-long movie fest at the Alamo, and it's one of the highlights of my year. Tim's a terrific host to people attending the festival, and the rules are basically the standard Alamo rules: don't talk, text, or phone during a movie. When you consider that I live 30 minutes away from Hollywood and I travel to Austin for both amazing programming and an absolutely unmatchable theater experience, you might begin to realize just how different the Alamo is. When audiences at the Fest saw the PSA of text girl, they erupted in laughter and cheers! In fact, every movie at the Alamo (an 18 and over theater) begins with a PSA warning in some way that, "If you talk, text, or phone during the movie, we'll take your a-- out!" There's no question that Alamo fans agree.
I LOVE the drafthouse. We go as often as possible not just because of the no cell phone rules, but also because of the "no one under age 6," and "no one under 18 without a parent" rules. My husband and I enjoy our time out to enjoy a movie without interruptions. Plus, you can enjoy some great food and beer/wine if you choose here!
I'm from Austin, TX, home of the fantastic Alamo Drafthouse theatre chain. We really don't go to any other theatres, and we're heavy duty movie nuts, we generally see a film a week or more. I agree 100% with Mr. League's stand on this issue. As far as I'm concerned, if you want to visit with your friends, text, play games, or other things that *aren't* watching a movie, then why are you *paying* to watch a movie? Seriously, when that pre-movie message with the girl's message about being kicked out came on before a movie, I applauded and cheered.
There IS an Alamo Drafthouse coming to NYC! On the UWS, my neighborhood. I'm from Austin and have been hoping and praying they'd come here. Now if I could only get a decent Tex-Mex restaurant (Chuy's please) that'd be great.
You don't spit on grandmothers, you don't fart during job interviews, you don't tackle 2 year olds, you don't wear swim suits to church and you don't use a phone in movie theaters. I don't care how important your sister's question is, you take it outside.
I love the Alamo Drafthouse and am so greatful that they play that message and dont allow any texters! This movie theater hands down has the customer in mind! Also yay theyre opening one in NYC for you Anderson ;)
Oh my god I wish this was a rule at the theater I go to. I have seen so many people do this during a movie and I'm thinking what the hell? Why would you spend your money and waste your time looking at the screen of your phone, then ask whats going on cuz you weren't paying attention. Besides bad driving, this is my worst pet peev ever. It is rude and needs to stop.
Stephanie - you are one of the rude people in question. Texting is a huge distraction in a theater, and it's enough to destroy the enjoyment of the movie. I don't buy a ticket so that your phone's light can shine in my eyes. The text is from YOUR baby-sitter, not mine. Get up off your lazy backside and go out to the lobby to answer it.
Last time I went to the movies, the guy in front of me kept pulling out his phone to text or check messages or whatever. The light from his phone was so distracting it was bothering everyone in my row. The 3rd time he did it, I kicked the back of his seat just once, but REALLY hard - it startled the heck out of him. And then I did it again every time he opened his phone. It finally dawned on him that I wasn't accidentally kicking the seat, and he stopped doing it.
Since living in Austin, I refuse to go anywhere other than the Alamo. Not only is it a local business, the entire experience is great. Knowing that no one will be rude enough to text or talk throughout my experience makes me enjoy my time there and not mind shelling out the $ to see a movie in a theater. Plus, the Alamo has a sense of humor about it. If you can't put your phone away for 1.5 hours, don't go to the movies! :)
as long as the ringer is on vibrate/silent and you keep the phone low, I don't see a problem with sending a txt message. Let's say my sitter txt me a question and I need to reply, I don't want to have to walk out of the theater just to send a quick reply. I think that would be more disruptive than sending a quick txt. Let's just not go overboard with the txting.
I want an Alamo Draft House t-shirt to wear every time I go see a movie.