"Gravity" Could Save Movie Theaters

Forbes Magazine Online recently posted an article on October 4th written by Scott Mendelson. His article consisted of his claims that movies like Gravity should only be viewed and screened on the silver screen in a dark, air conditioned room full of comfy seats and the smell of buttery delights in the air. The film beat box office records for the month of October and it is not a surprise as to why. The film was a great success through its elite portrayal of survival in outer space. This movie is the kind of movie that will keep viewers in movie theaters rather than waiting for Redbox, On Demand, or getting it on Netflix.

This kind of epic movie draws the attention of the viewer because they feel the need to see it on an even bigger screen as opposed to their already ginormous HD TVs at home. Mendelson discusses the balance of having Oscar-destined films such as upcoming American Hustle and Gravity in the same theater and how viewers are more drawn to a cinematic experience within a theatrical establishment rather than a more story-driven tale that they can simply get online or in the comfort of their homes.

Mendelson's stand on the argument is that he hopes that movie theaters continue to reap in audiences but also hopes that the theaters will not just show The Avengers or other big blockbusters that viewers would deem necessary to see in theaters. This severely cuts out a massive number of films that probably deserve even more attention. Even masterpieces could be overlooked just because it lacks a sense of luster and novelty that big blockbusters contain. Mendelson, as a claimed movie-lover, advocates for movies to be seen in theaters but as a realist, he understands the cost of a movie. You have to pay for the ticket, the popcorn, the drink, your date's drink, the babysitter, gas for the car to get there: it all adds up eventually. Plus you have to actually physically move to get to the theater. No wonder the appeal of On Demand is so captivating. But in order for good movies like Gravity, The Lincoln Lawyer, or Michael Clayton to be made and sent out to for mainstream audiences, they need funding from movie theaters. You can get a free ride and just expect the film to be made. Mendelson continues to use great movies as references and incentives to go watch movies in the theaters. That is how money is made and budgets are created. Mendelson argues that even though movies like Avatar and The Dark Knight are golden, it would be a conundrum for movie theaters to just play blockbusters. There must be variety. There is much discussion about waiting for Netflix releases as the optimal way. But one thing is certain and agreed upon. You have to go see Gravity. Period.

- Kevin Nguyen