Went to the movies on Sunday. We got to the theater about 30 minutes early. We were the first ones inside. We picked our seats and proceeded to talk quietly. We were so early that the “First Looks” infomercial hadn’t even started.

Picture the entire theater of seats to choose from. Where would you sit? It was interesting to watch a couple enter the theater and look over the entire room. They conferred for a minute and then chose seats about 5 rows in front of us. Two minutes later they were up and looking around.

Remember, there are only 4 people in the theater at this point. ALL but two of the seats are available. Center, Aisles, Front, Back Mid range. ANY seat could be theirs. Their choice of seats? You got it, the two seats directly behind us. Yes, out of all the seats in the theater, they choose the two seats behind US. Come on, really? Those are the ones? The best seats in the house?

The woman complained to her companion that the seats were  too low and uncomfortable. She continued talking, shall we say, at a few decibels above a whisper. So, we began to speak a little louder. She in turn, raised her voice slightly. After about 5 minutes of dueling conversations they got up and moved seats again. This time, to the other side, far away from us.

The next group of people to enter appeared to be a busload from the local senior center. Two walkers and a wheel chair along with 15-16 other individuals. A little heavy on the perfume and cologne. Yes, this was definitely an older crowd. Again this group dispersed and sat all around the theater.

We assumed that the movie, ’Woman in Gold,’ would not be well attended. It had been out for awhile and it was a Holiday weekend. But, slowly and surely the theater filled up more and more. I don’t think I’ve been to a movie lately where there weren’t any empty seats! The entire theater was  going to be sold out!

Groups of 3’s, 4’s and 5’s came in and scanned the available seats. They were going to have to split up as there weren’t that many seats together at this point. The discussion as to which one in the party was going to sit by themselves was interesting to watch. The ones chosen to go off on their own had a slumped shoulder, oh well, look as they wandered around looking for a lone seat.

By this time the ‘First Looks’ and trailers had begun. The process of finding available seating now had to be accomplished in semidarkness. An easy feat for some, others, not so much. Our row was completely filled yet, we would be asked if there were any open seats. I don’t know how they were going to be able to see the movie on the screen if they couldn’t discern an open seat 5 feet in front of them. Oh my this was going to be fun.

As the trailers were ending and the featured movie about to begin, a couple and their toddler entered. The last vacant seats were way up in the front. Thank goodness they were near the aisle. Now, I ask you, who would bring a toddler to an adult movie? No, it wasn’t rated R or anything but, it was NOT a child’s movie. This was the ONLY child in the theater. Before this family came in, I think the couple in their 40’s were the youngest in the crowd. That should explain the demographics of the audience.

Yes, you guessed it, about 15 minutes into the film, the child began to fuss. Shhhhhh was heard from many areas around the room. Next came soft crying from the child. Now, full blown crying. It was difficult to hear the dialog at this point. Eventually, the mother got up and took the child out of the theater.

No more interruptions for the rest of the movie. I don’t know if the mother and child returned as I was too immersed in the story being told. It was a good movie and I’m glad that we made the choice to see it over our other option.

The next hurdle would be the bathroom. My friend wanted to watch the credits but I wanted to make a pit stop as soon as possible. Those two cups of coffee and bottle of water were catching up with me. As luck would have it, the restrooms were next door to our theater. At least I was only the 5th woman in line. The walker and wheelchair crowd just came right in and passed all of us. I don’t mind helping to open a door or assist when I can but hey, I have to use the facilities too! I’m waiting in line. Oh, my bad, they are all lining up at the one handicapped door.

All in all it was a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Take in a movie this weekend and watch how seats are chosen.

Would love to hear your observations.