My world got bigger when I realized I could go to the movies by myself.
I’ve always loved going to the movie theater. I loved the buttery popcorn and cushioned seats and that feeling of anticipation when the lights dim and everyone shuts up.
Maybe that’s why I really like movie theaters: the expectation of undivided focus on the story on the big screen. I have trouble watching movies with people when there is license to fidget, talk, or check your phone. I watch my movies and television with a militant enthusiasm that drives everyone else nuts.
I say I like the “cinematic experience” when I’m trying to make it sound elegant. But movies theaters simply feel comfortable. My parents took my brother and me to the
I never went to very many movies alone, however, until I moved to Austin. For a four month period, I lived in Austin alone while my then-fiance finished school in Wisconsin. I didn’t really know people yet and there were weekends where I didn’t know what to do with myself. And I really wanted to go to the movies, particularly the Alamo Drafthouse theaters in Austin that show true reverence for the theater-going experience: reserved seats, full menu, custom pre-shows, and a strict no talking policy.
I started taking myself to the movies. It felt silly that I hadn’t before: movies don’t require any social interaction. You’re literally just watching the movie. And for better or worse, I’d never loved discussing my opinions on movies right after the show, particularly if my companions didn’t like it as much as I did. One time I went to see the the seventh Harry Potter movie with some college friends and right after they began criticizing some of the cinematic effects. In their defense, they were film majors and this was my third or fourth time seeing the movie. In my defense, anyone who has met me knows to disparage anything Harry Potter at their own peril.
Now, I see movies with others and myself in equal measure. For big Marvel releases, I usually buy tickets for me and a few friends to go on opening nights. They are good sports about me asking them if they want to go after I’ve already bought the tickets — but shows sell out and my ticket-buying anxiety plays in their favor. Then there are movies that only I want to see, like this morning’s solo-show of The Kid Who Would Be King: a fun modern adaption of the King Arthur story for kids that only I cared about. Or sometimes I still go to the movies alone because my friends are busy and I don’t do listless days anymore; I make plans with myself.
It’s a good thing to do I think: getting comfortable going to the movies alone. You can’t always wait for others to do things you love.
With Love,
Natalie