Why do people clap at the end of a movie [at the movie theater]?

[TheLonelyPhoenix]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
I've NEVER been to a theater where they've clapped at the end of any movie, and I've been to a lot of movies / theaters.

 

[A5]

I've only heard it at opening night shows.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: crab
Simply to annoy tightass folks like yourself.

This looks like the best answer so far.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: crab
Simply to annoy tightass folks like yourself.

This looks like the best answer so far.

Except that it's not the correct answer, so I think that would make it one of the worst ones

 

[NateSLC]

Originally posted by: MustISO
My movie theater is at my house. We never clap although we may get nekkid after the movie

Nekkid would be fun, but not at a movie theater.

The first time I experienced an audience applause at a theater was after Star Trek VI (premier in my neck of the woods). I think it was because Star Trek V sucked and the fans were relieved that VI didn't suck too. Bottom line is that the audience loved the two hours they just paid for and they made the appreciation public.

As for why clap when there's not someone to appreciate the clapping: sometimes people just do it for themselves because they're not bitter nasty old queens or rednecks worried about what others think. It does not make them an idiot.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: NateSLC

Originally posted by: MustISO
My movie theater is at my house. We never clap although we may get nekkid after the movie

As for someone to appreciate the clapping, sometimes people just do it for themselves because they're not bitter nasty old queens or rednecks. It does not make them an idiot.

This is the correct answer.

 

[crab]

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: NateSLC

Originally posted by: MustISO
My movie theater is at my house. We never clap although we may get nekkid after the movie

As for someone to appreciate the clapping, sometimes people just do it for themselves because they're not bitter nasty old queens or rednecks. It does not make them an idiot.

This is the correct answer.

:thumbsup:

 

[StageLeft]

As for someone to appreciate the clapping, sometimes people just do it for themselves because they're not bitter nasty old queens or rednecks. It does not make them an idiot.

Yes it does, because it makes no sense. If I said that when I see a good movie I like to smear snot on my head and somebody asks why and I say "to show my appreciation for the movie" it would be similarly intelligent.

The real tragedy here of course is that somebody questioning poor human behaviour is mocked, instead of the behaviour itself. That's a product of Political Correctness and "everybody is special" in some bastardized nihilistic mess of idiocy.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

As for someone to appreciate the clapping, sometimes people just do it for themselves because they're not bitter nasty old queens or rednecks. It does not make them an idiot.

Yes it does, because it makes no sense. If I said that when I see a good movie I like to smear snot on my head and somebody asks why and I say "to show my appreciation for the movie" it would be similarly intelligent.

The real tragedy here of course is that somebody questioning poor human behaviour is mocked, instead of the behaviour itself. That's a product of Political Correctness and "everybody is special" in some bastardized nihilistic mess of idiocy.

Do you clap at sporting events?

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: Skoorb

As for someone to appreciate the clapping, sometimes people just do it for themselves because they're not bitter nasty old queens or rednecks. It does not make them an idiot.

Yes it does, because it makes no sense. If I said that when I see a good movie I like to smear snot on my head and somebody asks why and I say "to show my appreciation for the movie" it would be similarly intelligent.

The real tragedy here of course is that somebody questioning poor human behaviour is mocked, instead of the behaviour itself. That's a product of Political Correctness and "everybody is special" in some bastardized nihilistic mess of idiocy.

Do you clap at sporting events?

If I went to sporting events I might clap, because the performer is there. Nobody here is questioning the merit of clapping. They're questioning the merit of clapping when the recipient is not there to hear it.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: Skoorb

As for someone to appreciate the clapping, sometimes people just do it for themselves because they're not bitter nasty old queens or rednecks. It does not make them an idiot.

Yes it does, because it makes no sense. If I said that when I see a good movie I like to smear snot on my head and somebody asks why and I say "to show my appreciation for the movie" it would be similarly intelligent.

The real tragedy here of course is that somebody questioning poor human behaviour is mocked, instead of the behaviour itself. That's a product of Political Correctness and "everybody is special" in some bastardized nihilistic mess of idiocy.

Do you clap at sporting events?

If I went to sporting events I might clap, because the performer is there. Nobody here is questioning the merit of clapping. They're questioning the merit of clapping when the recipient is not there to hear it.

If you think the players on the field/court can hear any one individual clapping for them, then you're sorely mistaken. In plays and sports there are two main bodies of people; the performers and the audience. The function of clapping, or applause, is primarily for the audience - the audience as a whole unites in an action to signify their appreciation for the performance. Clapping is just a way of expressing approval and gratitude, both of which are not lost in cinema. It's a social mechanism for saying "I enjoyed that", nothing more, nothing less.

 

[StageLeft]

definition of clapping is a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together . I've seen mentally retarded children clap after they've done something good, like tie their shoes or eat their ice cream without dropping it on the ground.

So, either the people who are clapping are clapping in this vein, or they simply want to express their love of the movie to total strangers, which would be indicative of narcissism. I express my like/dislike of a movie to a friend, but I certainly don't pretend to think that a stranger cares what I think about it, nor do I care what he thinks about it. Perhaps these people should wait until they are in their car and then clap.

 

[frodrick]

a few people clapped at the end when i saw sin city. i thought they were complete tards.

 

[StageLeft]

If you think the players on the field/court can hear any one individual clapping for them, then you're sorely mistaken. In plays and sports there are two main bodies of people; the performers and the audience. The function of clapping, or applause, is primarily for the audience - the audience as a whole unites in an action to signify their appreciation for the performance. Clapping is just a way of expressing approval and gratitude, both of which are not lost in cinema. It's a social mechanism for saying "I enjoyed that", nothing more, nothing less.

Well if you want to get into single vs. plural, we can do lots of things like argue whether a single vote counts in an election, etc. but with a sporting event/play, the performers CAN hear somebody, so at a movie theater it's going to need an AWFUL LOT of people to clap so loud that tom cruise can hear them three states away.

 

[mjrpes3]

Originally posted by: ViRGE

Originally posted by: tangent1138
they liked the movie and they clapped... what's the big deal?

how does this affect you in any way that you feel compelled to start a thread about it?

Because it's illogical? There's no one at the theater to appreciate the clapping.

Although clapping in a movie theater isn't conventional, who says you can only clap if there is a performer there is appreciate it? What about the other people in the audience? Clapping is an efficient way for everyone in the audience, after seeing a movie that everyone agrees was excellent, to voice this feeling in a way that everyone will universally recognize. It's a way for the single viewer to be convinced that they weren't the only one who felt this way; that the movie is not just great in their mind, but also in the minds of a lot of others.

 

[jjones]

Sometimes I clap furiously at the end of a movie, sometimes I yell out at the top of my lungs, "That movie sucked sh!t!". I want everyone in the theater and for two blocks in any direction to know my opinion. I also have a lazy eye, crap in my pants occasionally, and drool at social events and family get-togethers.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Habit / conditioning

 

[SeminoleMarine]

I clapped at the end of Titantic, because I was thankful that piece of crap was over. My wife thought I was being a jerk. I thought I was speaking for all the men who got dragged to that steaming pile.

 

[chuckywang]

They are clapping for a very good movie.

 

[StageLeft]

Clapping is an efficient way for everyone in the audience, after seeing a movie that everyone agrees was excellent, to voice this feeling in a way that everyone will universally recognize. It's a way for the single viewer to be convinced that they weren't the only one who felt this way; that the movie is not just great in their mind, but also in the minds of a lot of others.

Yes, narcissistic, to think that others care. They do not. And if you do care what others in the theater think, you have self-esteem issues you should deal with.

I actually found a study a little while ago--I can't find it now--and it had a bell curve of those who clap at movies and who don't, and typically those who do clap at movies are low-age earners with little to no formal school, and represent society's less well adjusted individuals: criminals, the mentally ill, delinquents, etc. It was a fascinating read.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Clapping is an efficient way for everyone in the audience, after seeing a movie that everyone agrees was excellent, to voice this feeling in a way that everyone will universally recognize. It's a way for the single viewer to be convinced that they weren't the only one who felt this way; that the movie is not just great in their mind, but also in the minds of a lot of others.

Yes, narcissistic, to think that others care. They do not. And if you do care what others in the theater think, you have self-esteem issues you should deal with.

I actually found a study a little while ago--I can't find it now--and it had a bell curve of those who clap at movies and who don't, and typically those who do clap at movies are low-age earners with little to no formal school, and represent society's less well adjusted individuals: criminals, the mentally ill, delinquents, etc. It was a fascinating read.

Wow... :Q You are so pathetic it makes me sad.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
Wow... :Q You are so pathetic it makes me sad.

Ad hominem.

 

[sharkeeper]

I've seen this in the past. I no longer go to public viewings however.

If the only inconvenience was people clapping at the end of the presentation, then that would be great. Unfortunately with cellular telephones, people bringing handheld infants, people that cannot keep their traps shut for five seconds, people that put their feet up on your chairback, people with hairdo's so high and in the shape of geological features, oh I could go on and on. Yes clapping would be no problem providing they clapped with both hands and none of that other kinky stuff you see on the internets.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: mobobuff
Wow... :Q You are so pathetic it makes me sad.

Ad hominem.

Huh? What? Sorry I couldn't quite hear you, you're being muffled by this large cloud of arrogance that seems to be lingering above you, following you wherever you go.

I support this claim by this study, that I can't seem to find right now, that was taken to show that people on message boards named Skoorb often have underlying issues with society that cloud their comprehension of simple social mechanisms, usually resulting in unwarranted hate or misunderstanding of a basic concept. Again, this study was very real but I just can't seem to find it right now. Pay no attention to the fact that the principles of the study are rudimentary, inane and impractical - because I assure you it is indeed real and I did not just fabricate it. I just can't find it. Oh and here is an irrelevant definition of 'society' for you, because I can't back up my own opinion enough by myself.

I'm really sorry about that study, if I find it I'll get back to you.

Oh and I'm honestly not making fun of you, your arrogance, or the way you choose to argue an invalid point. Really.... I'm not.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: sharkeeper
I've seen this in the past. I no longer go to public viewings however.

If the only inconvenience was people clapping at the end of the presentation, then that would be great. Unfortunately with cellular telephones, people bringing handheld infants, people that cannot keep their traps shut for five seconds, people that put their feet up on your chairback, people with hairdo's so high and in the shape of geological features, oh I could go on and on. Yes clapping would be no problem providing they clapped with both hands and none of that other kinky stuff you see on the internets.

Poor genes, poor diets, poor upbringing--take your pick. Any and all are responsible for the inability of many people to act respectfully in public, in settings that call for restraint and prudence.