It's early evening. You've decided that you'd like to see a film that's been released recently. Now comes the decision: watch it at home on one of the ever-earlier-releasing streaming services, or head out to the flicks and see it on the big screen.
The thing is, your home television has likely never been a higher quality. The sound is good, the screen is pretty large (the average size of a TV screen in Europe has grown from 24 inches in the 1990s to over 50 inches today), and you don't need to get dressed up.
Estimates vary, but up to 40% of people now say that they prefer to watch new releases at home. As Gloria Swanson's Norma Desmond said in Sunset Boulevard, "I am big. It's the pictures that got small".
So it might surprise you to learn that there are still over 400 independent cinemas across the UK and Ireland. And they could really do with your support.
When the 70mm edition of Christopher Nolan's Odyssey was released this summer, IMAX cinemas found themselves with sold-out runs, proving that the silver screen is far from dead. More hope comes from recent statistics showing that those born between 1997 and 2012 are now more frequent cinema-goers than some older age groups. For many in these younger audiences, it's a chance to have an hour or two without phone screens and other distractions.
But the economics of running a cinema have become harder and harder. So much so that many have branched out into running cocktail bars and restaurants on the same site. The upshot of this is that your nearest independent cinema is probably worthy of a night out. You get to support smaller film houses and sip a dry martini in one fell swoop. And above all else, the majority of these are in town centre locations, avoiding a journey to a dreaded retail park or shopping centre (perish the thought).
Fortunately, the Independent Cinema Office has made a map of all the locations. And there's virtually no corner of the British and Irish Isles without at least one. So turn off the TV, put something nicer than pyjamas on, and head out to the pictures. There's no better way to enjoy film.
Part of Paperweight's 'Greater Things' series; #1001 ways to live your life greater. Get it delivered to your inbox every week with Sunday Paperweight when you subscribe for free.
