March 22, 2002: An interesting cultural experience tonight. I went to see a movie. You'd think that there wouldn't be much variation from place to place, country to country for movies — maybe the language or something. But it was really a treat.
The films are first-run (or close to it — they really need subtitles to be popular in the Thai market in English). I saw "A Beautiful Mind". The ticket buying experience is unique; you queue up like (perhaps) anywhere else in the world. But at this theater, at least, there's reserved seating. You choose your seat; you can see exactly which seats are sold already; the ticket seller then prints you a ticket with that seat number. There were two sections of seats in this average size "septa-plex", I choice the center seat in the last row. I was the only person in the entire section. The back section was pretty much filled. I still don't know what I was missing — besides the crowd.
They let us in the theater about 15 minutes before the film. I didn't know the show times before I went to the theater (it's about a 10 minute walk from my house) so I had to hang out for a while. Got in, took my section, err, seat. The rest of the theater filled in behind me. I remained the only person in the section.
The theater is immaculate. Newish, carpeted. Excellent sound system. There's no single overpriced Concession you have to buy from, there are half a dozen plus a food court. Or fetch elsewhere in the mall. And any place with sodas has beer for sale too. The seats are — get this — comfortable — and there's ample space between rows to walk. No need to decide whether to thrust your butt in your fellow attendees' face or your front. Never could decide which was more rude. Did I mention — the seats recline?
Music played up until the show time, interspersed with admonishments in Thai to turn off cell phones and pagers. It's the first time outside my classroom that I've heard Thai pronounced the "right" way. Then a couple of previews. No RIAA stupidity (the US rating system: "This PREVIEW has been rated PG-13. Don't bring you parents, kids, or they won't let you see it"). Then:
Everybody in the theater stands up, as a photo collage of the King, from boyhood to old age, unfolds itself on the screen to pleasant music. The camera pans out from the collage. Out. Out... ultimately revealing a picture of His Majesty... made up of pictures of His Majesty. All very tasteful.
The movie starts. Not a single cell phone rings. It goes three hours. It's a great film, despite some reporter in the Bangkok Post whinging about it not being completely historically accurate. Get a life.
A great entertainment experience. Oh, and it costs 90 baht for weekend nights. That's two bucks. Maybe I'll go back tomorrow.