How Much Noise Are We Allowed to Make in a Cinema?

And is it okay to use your phone too?

Popcorn in hand (and a cheeky chocolate snuck in my bag), I settled in for the anticipated A Quiet Place at the back of the half-filled cinema.

As the advertisements finished, and the opening scene began, it dawned on me. "How will I crunch on my snacks in this silent theatre?"

This begs the questions: How much noise is too much in a cinema? And does sending a quick text halfway through the movie equal instant damnation?

Personally, I believe that speaking—save for some chit-chat during the ads—should be kept to an absolute minimum. Sure, there are moments during films that are so funny you have to mutter an inside joke to your friend. Perhaps you even dozed off for a few minutes and need to ask someone what you just missed. This is completely fine and understandable, because you more than likely aren’t going to disturb the people around you.

But, if conversations last more than a few replies back and forth or are loud enough to be heard by people in other rows, then it may be time to zip those lips.

However, though it is a personal pet peeve of mine, I don’t think phone usage should be completely banned in cinemas. It is completely understandable to shoot a quick text here and there if need be, or to check for any urgent notifications. But taking calls, using your flashlight for no reason, or scrolling through social media on high brightness halfway through the movie is not okay.

No one in that cinema came thinking, "Gee, I hope someone’s bright phone will be in my peripheral vision as I try to watch this movie." Therefore, I would try keeping phone usage down.

At the end of the day, everyone in the cinema paid to be there, and to enjoy a newly released movie. For some, this is a time to take a break from work and outside irritations. So, keep the chatting to a minimum and turn your phone brightness down if you must use it.

Noise and phones aren’t banned in cinemas just yet, but try to follow this unspoken movie etiquette anyway. Remember to be mindful of others in the cinema and enjoy the movie with as few distractions as possible!

Congratulations to Kaitlyn for winning this week's writing challenge: Should You Be Allowed to Make Noise/Use Your Phone in a Cinema? Kaitlyn wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge.

Photo: Paramount Pictures