Theaters add intermission to Scorsese’s lengthy film, studios displeased.
Movie Theaters Add Intermissions to Martin Scorsese’s Latest Film, Stirring Controversy
Movie theaters around the world have taken a bold step by inserting intermissions into Martin Scorsese’s epic film ”Killers of the Flower Moon,” much to the dismay of Paramount Pictures and Apple Original Films.
The star-studded movie, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, runs for a whopping 206 minutes. Theaters in Europe and the United States have decided to pause the film, allowing viewers to take a break ranging from six to fifteen minutes, as reported by Variety.
Notably, an independent theater in Amsterdam and two European cinema chains even advertised and sold tickets for screenings with a built-in break. UCI Cinemas, an international theater chain, confirmed that most of its nearly 80 theaters included a six-minute interval in the middle of the film.
Similarly, a theater chain in the UK and an Amsterdam cinema called The Movies Haarlemmerdijk also offered screenings with an intermission, according to their websites.
Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is so long that some theaters are pausing the three-and-a-half-hour epic for bathroom breaks — and it’s divided moviegoers https://t.co/j3YaMAGM12
— Insider (@thisisinsider) October 28, 2023
A theater in Colorado gained viral attention when a photo of a sign announcing the intermission was shared on social media. Once the studio and the film’s producer caught wind of it, they swiftly put an end to the practice.
The companies behind the film have reportedly contacted theaters, asserting that the intermissions violate their contracts and insisting that the movie be shown as intended, according to Variety.
Despite the backlash, one theater that implemented an eight-minute pause revealed that moviegoers loved the break, as shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
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“Everybody was really into it because it’s a longer movie, and they’re like, ‘I wish we would have had it for Oppenheimer,'” the individual said. “People could come out, order another drink, stretch their legs, go to the bathroom and not miss anything.”
The person added, “We were going to keep doing it going forward with longer movies, but now it doesn’t seem like an option.”
Thelma Schoonmaker, the editor of the film, expressed her disapproval of the unauthorized intermissions, stating, “I understand that somebody’s running it with an intermission which is not right. That’s a violation, so I have to find out about it,” as reported by Variety.
While Scorsese himself has not directly addressed the intermissions, he defended the film’s length in an interview with the Hindustan Times.
“People say it’s three hours, but come on, you can sit in front of the TV and watch something for five hours,” Scorsese argued. “Also, there are many people who watch theater for three and a half hours. There are real actors on stage — you can’t get up and walk around. You give it that respect; give cinema some respect.”
What reasons do Paramount Pictures and Apple Original Films give for expressing disappointment over theaters adding intermissions to the film?
Hisisinsider/status/1547521559536406016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 12, 2022
This move by the theaters has sparked controversy, with many questioning whether it is disrespectful to Martin Scorsese’s artistic vision. Some argue that inserting intermissions disrupt the flow and pacing of the film, while others believe it is necessary to accommodate viewers’ comfort and bladder needs.
Paramount Pictures and Apple Original Films, the production companies behind “Killers of the Flower Moon,” have expressed their disappointment over the decision of theaters to add intermissions. They argue that the film was meticulously crafted to be experienced in one uninterrupted sitting, and inserting breaks goes against the director’s intentions.
Martin Scorsese is known for his long and immersive films, such as “The Irishman” and “Gangs of New York,” which also tested the patience of viewers. His approach to storytelling often involves building tension and suspense gradually, requiring an investment of time and attention from the audience.
However, the theaters argue that the inclusion of intermissions is a practical necessity. With a runtime of over three hours, viewers may find it difficult to sit through the entire film without a break. Intermissions also provide an opportunity for moviegoers to use the restroom or stretch their legs, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
While the decision to add intermissions may perturb some cinephiles, it is important to remember that different viewers have different preferences and comfort levels. Some may enjoy the immersive experience of watching a lengthy film in one sitting, while others may appreciate the chance to pause and reflect on what they have seen so far.
Ultimately, the inclusion of intermissions in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a testament to the evolving nature of cinema and the cinema-going experience. Theaters are adapting to cater to the needs and expectations of modern audiences, who have grown accustomed to shorter attention spans and the convenience of pausing films at home.
It remains to be seen whether this trend of adding intermissions to lengthy films will continue, or if it will be reserved for exceptional cases like Martin Scorsese’s epics. Perhaps it is a sign that the traditional expectations of a continuous cinematic experience are shifting, and that filmmakers and theaters alike will need to adapt to accommodate the changing tastes and habits of audiences.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, one thing is certain: the decision to insert intermissions in Martin Scorsese’s latest film has sparked a heated debate, highlighting the complex relationship between filmmakers, theaters, and viewers in an ever-evolving industry.
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