At the Cinemaplex

I have not been to cinemaplexes for a long time. From being devoted to super embracing screens, some of us have instead moved on to watch videos on smaller screens, trying to multi task while doing something else - taking long commutes, while having a meal or when waiting for something. There can be no focus on just savouring a movie, with nothing else to distract us, except maybe for the crackle of popcorn and the hum of airconditioning in a large darkened hall. There were the years when audiences could sit through a few hours of a movie that knew how to combine music, artistry, emotion, expression, sensibilities and audio - all to stir our thoughts, enjoyment, speculation, amazement and questions in the way characters, storyline and inspiration were portrayed. Being able to stop a playing movie somewhere in between can be convenient, but does not provide the completeness watching it all in one sitting. Strangers, spouses, partners and friends watching together at one same venue gave a shared collective experience. Very few now bother with looking at the rather useful trove of information in rolling credits. Data about a particular movie and cast can be checked on the internet. Spectacular and well made movies were scheduled during festive seasons, school holidays and community events - but they still are.