10 rules of movie etiquette

Elliott Kanbar, president of the Quad Cinema in NYC, included this list is his weekly e-mail. I agree with all of them. I hope he doesn't mind my posting it here.

(1) After buying your ticket, don't hold up the line by counting or putting away your change in front of the box office. Move to the side and do what you have to do.

(2) A baseball cap is a hat. Don't wear it in the theater.

(3) If the theater is not too full, don't take a seat right in front of the patrons behind you.

(4) On the other hand, if the theater is full, don't put your jacket on the seat next to you if you're not holding it for someone but only because you want more room.

(5) Feet on the seat in front of you are never acceptable, even if the theater is empty.

(6) Chatting should stop as soon as the theater is dark, even though the only things on the screen are trailers.

(7) With concession prices high, it's understandable to buy some of the food (like sodas) on the outside. But don't bring with you big bags of smelly food from fast food restaurants.

(8) Like all retail businesses, movie theaters (especially the art houses) are hurting. Don't take advantage by buying senior tickets when you don't qualify, age-wise.

(9) Even though you may not be talking, the light from a BlackBerry or iPod during the film is distracting to the patrons around you.

(10) If the line at the box office is long, have your money ready when you get to the window.

I think rule 7, coming from a theater owner, is quite generous. Most won't let you bring in any outside food or beverages.