On Election Day, many Americans are choosing to escape the political tension by heading to the movies. Films like "Venom: The Last Dance" and "Juror #2" are providing a temporary respite from the stress of the election, as people seek a break from the relentless news cycle. Moviegoers across the country are using cinema as a way to disconnect and find solace, even if just for a few hours, before returning to the reality of the election results.
Cinemas, trying to attract audiences back to theaters during the streaming boom, have faced challenges with the increasing length of films. Some theaters attempted to add intermissions to accommodate longer movies like Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, but were met with resistance from distributors like Paramount. However, there is evidence that intermissions could boost attendance and concession sales. Cinemas are still navigating the post-pandemic landscape and trying to find ways to appeal to audiences, especially older adults who have been slower to return to theaters.
National Cinema Day is set to take place on August 27th, offering deeply discounted tickets at participating movie theaters. Last year's event saw a record number of attendees, despite limited film options, resulting in a 9% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. This year, major theater chains like AMC and Dolby Cinema are participating, with tickets priced at no more than $4. The event will also be held in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Unlike last year, there are several film releases available for audiences to enjoy during the event.
David Lynch expressed his distress over the decline of cinemas due to the rise of streaming platforms and the impact of coronavirus. He criticized watching films on phones and emphasized the importance of the cinema experience. Lynch also revealed that he initially turned down a cameo in Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans but was persuaded by Laura Dern. He confirmed that his popular YouTube weather reports would not return.
