Why are fewer Singaporeans going to the cinema? It’s not about cost but value

Despite their legitimateness, I believe these outside factors serve only as catalysts for the decline in movie viewing and enjoyment.

In my watch, the real reason is that we tend to take movies like strong food: We’re simply looking for a quick and filling experience, not necessarily one that’s exciting. &nbsp,

Interests AND Choices

For some so- called useful Singaporeans, going to the theaters is an unneeded indulgence. One of the first few products to be taken from our monthly expenditures in our search for fire is the fat we cut when we have to stretch our purse strings. Who cares where and how we watch the movie as long as we also getting to see it in the end? &nbsp,

I personally choose to avoid outrageous S$ 30 ( or even S$ 20 ) brunch trips and to refuse to pay for my gym membership so I can watch a movie whenever I want to. Even if the film did n’t really live up to the hype, I usually leave the theater auditorium so mentally stimulated and eager to spend the next 10 hours watching YouTube essays about the show’s cast style or browsing 5, 000 word video views about a particular picture. &nbsp,

If I watch a movie at home, which I do frequently, I continue down these hare holes. However, I do have to make a decision based on the film. I prefer to watch the psychological tear-jerkers on the big screen, and I usually prefer to save the action movies and psychological thrillers to my computer. &nbsp,

Even though I enjoyed the narrative, I could just discern muted emotions when I watched Oscar-nominated Past Lives on my web computer after missing it in theaters. Instead of being immersed in the author’s inward battle, torn between dedication to the life she’s built and a longing for part of her history, I just made out a half- hearted, brief semblance of melancholy. Truly, some films demand to be seen and felt in the cinema. &nbsp,

Even if I had a world class surround sound system at home, I would n’t be able to replicate the cinema experience. Going to the cinema is also, ultimately, about having a third place – a place to relax and hang out beyond the workplace or the private, domestic space of one’s home.

Understandably, the things I prioritise might be what others forgo, and vice versa. However, Singapore’s highly efficient and pragmatic culture permeates every aspect, as do our fairly uniform lifestyle preferences and priorities – just look at our cookie-cutter shopping centers. So we might, in fact, eventually have one or two cinema halls left in Singapore. &nbsp,

In the meantime, the simple joy of going to the cinema is still there for the taking. It would be regrettable if we denied ourselves the few luxuries of life that we can afford, but it would be even more repulsive if we later discover we ca n’t afford them.