Audience Quote by Pauline Kael
“The movies have been so rank the last couple of years that when I see people lining up to buy tickets I sometimes think that the movies aren't drawing an audience - they're inheriting an audience. People just want to go to a movie. They're stung repeatedly, yet their desire for a good movie - for any movie - is so strong that all over the country they keep lining up.”
About This Quote
The comment observes that despite declining film quality, audiences still flock to cinemas, suggesting a deep-rooted habit or social ritual of moviegoing that persists beyond the content itself.
In simple terms: Audiences attend movies for the experience, not just the film.
Key Takeaway
Habit and social desire drive cinema attendance.
Themes
culture
habit
media consumption
social ritual
expectation
nostalgia
Mood
nostalgic
critical
observational
Type
observation
cultural commentary
media critique
When to use this quote
- movie theater visits
- film festivals
- weekly cinema outings
- family movie nights
- post‑pandemic theater revivals
Key Concepts
audience behavior
film quality perception
cinema as social space
Practical Applications
- marketing strategies that emphasize experience
- programming diverse film lineups
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people keep going to movies even when they dislike the films?
- How might theaters leverage this habit to improve attendance?
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