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Oscar’s Intermediate Cinema Bar

February 27, 2025 Catherine Williams Entertainment
News Context
At a glance
  • The resurgence of intermissions in modern cinema has sparked a lively debate among film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
  • The use of intermissions has evoked both enthusiastic support and skepticism.
  • Intermissions were once a staple of cinema, inherited from the European theater of the seventeenth century.
Original source: elpais.com

The Resurgence of Intermissions in Modern Cinema

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The resurgence of intermissions in modern cinema has sparked a lively debate among film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. This unexpected return to a bygone era has been most notably seen in the film The Brutalist, which premiered this past Sunday and is nominated for 10 Oscars. The film, directed by Brady Corbet, features a black and white wedding photo of the lead architect László Tóth. A countdown clock signals a 15-minute intermission, allowing audiences to stretch their legs, use the restroom, or grab a coffee. Without this break, the three-hour and 35-minute runtime could feel like a marathon of violence and suffering. With the intermission, viewers can reach the end without losing their composure.

The Appeal and Criticism of Intermissions

The use of intermissions has evoked both enthusiastic support and skepticism. Some viewers and critics have called for their return, while others question their necessity or criticize the grandeur of Corbet’s film. The producer of The Brutalist, Dj Gugenheim, defends the intermission as an integral part of the film’s structure. “From the first draft, the film was conceived with an intermission. It was not a late occurrence, but an essential part of the structure of the film,” Gugenheim stated. He further explained that the intermission immediately evokes the classical cinematographic experiences of films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, where intermissions were not just practical pauses but vital elements for narration. These films were developed in two acts, allowing the audience to assimilate the weight of the first half before immersing themselves in the emotional and narrative turns of the second. Gugenheim added, “I love that The Brutalist hugs that tradition.”

The Historical Context of Intermissions

Intermissions were once a staple of cinema, inherited from the European theater of the seventeenth century. They were common between the 1930s and the end of the 1970s, adopted out of technical necessity for changing reels and also for commercial purposes. However, technological advances led to their disappearance. Now, as movies increasingly lengthen—with the average duration rising from 100 to 120 minutes over the past three decades—intermissions are making a comeback.

Notable Examples of Recent Intermissions

The Brutalist is not the first film to resurrect intermissions. Quentin Tarantino proposed two different montages for his 2015 film The Hateful Eight, one of which included a 12-minute break. In 2021, Zack Snyder did the same with his version of The Justice League, which lasted four hours. More recently, Wicked was planned to follow a similar path, with one of its producers, Marc Platt, attempting to make it a single film divided by an intermission, as was the case in the original musical.

The Impact of Intermissions on Viewer Experience

The new auteur cinema has also embraced intermissions. Argentine director Mariano Llinás, known for his 14-hour film The Flower (2018), which includes three intermissions, believes that intermissions are vital for maintaining the viewer’s attention. “In such cases, it is vital that the viewer’s attention remains fresh, and that tends not to happen once after two and a half hours,” Llinás confessed. “The intermission has the virtue of renewing the will to return to the room. Overcome certain physiological rituals, the viewer can verify that his urgency to leave was fatua, and that nowhere will be better than within the cinema.”

“After the intermission, the viewer verifies that his urgency to leave the room was fatua, and that nowhere will be better than within the cinema,” says Mariano Llinás, director of a 14-hour film.

Director Perspectives on Intermissions

Spanish director Jonah Trueba rescued the intermission in his documentary Who Prevents It (2021), which lasted three hours and 45 minutes and was separated by two intermissions. Trueba loves the experience of intermissions, stating, “I love the experience of intermissions. You can comment on the play and force the viewer to leave and enter, not only physically, what he is seeing. It is a risk and that’s why I like it.” However, not all directors are convinced. Trueba noted that the intermission in The Brutalist did not convince him: “The film reaches a very evident peak in the intermission, but then it seems that it becomes against everything it has promised. She is trickster, but also somewhat cheat.”

Industry and Audience Reactions

Several directors known for long durations, such as James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, and Denis Villeneuve, prefer to do without intermissions. In the United Kingdom, the VUE chain has been experimenting with reimplanting intermissions to alleviate the attention deficit of younger viewers, with 80% of positive opinions according to a 2023 experiment. However, some cinemas faced resistance when introducing intermissions for films like Martin Scorsese’s The Moon Killer. Scorsese’s distributor demanded its withdrawal, stating, “People watch five hours of television or theater works of three and a half hours. Give him the same respect for cinema.”

Counterarguments and Criticisms

In the festival circuit, filmmakers like Lav Diaz and Frederick Wiseman reject intermissions, considering them unnecessary. Wiseman stated, “I don’t believe in intermissions or use them. There is a risk that the public loses the continuity of the film. Not using them has never been a problem to spread my films.” Todd Solondz, who included an intermission in Wiener-Dog (2016) as comic relief, is also not enthusiastic. “They only serve for the public to skip the second half without disturbing anyone,” he ironized from New York.

The Future of Intermissions in Cinema

In Spain, distributors are divided on the return of intermissions, as it complicates programming and forces a reduction in sessions. Paz Reolons, director of Cinemas Verdi, favors limiting intermissions to essential cases, stating, “The spectator sometimes is made a mountain see durations of more than two hours. And for the movie theater it is an opportunity to provide a better service and perhaps achieve income, as indicated by that classic message of Visit our bar.” In the collective imaginary, intermissions are still associated with the epic scale of films like The Birth of a Nation, The Ten Commandments, and The Godfather. Jordi Balló, an eminent film analyst and co-author of the recent essay The Incessant Image, notes, “They are stories in which there is time for illusion and disappointment. The intermission marks a cesura between them. By resurrecting the intermission, Corbet is telling us that his film is, like those old titles, bigger than life. But, at the same time, he claims the immersive character of cinema, a very current need to return to the room as a key element for the life of a film.”

Conclusion

The resurgence of intermissions in modern cinema highlights a broader discussion about the evolving nature of film viewing experiences. While some directors and audiences embrace the break, others see it as unnecessary or even detrimental to the continuity of the film. As cinema continues to evolve, the debate over intermissions will likely persist, reflecting the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in the film industry.

The Resurgence of Intermissions in Modern Cinema: An In-Depth Q&A

What is an Intermission in the Context of Modern Cinema, adn Why is it Resurfacing?

An intermission in modern cinema serves as a scheduled break within a movie, traditionally allowing audiences to rest, refresh, and engage with the film more deeply. Recently, their resurgence is notable in longer films where their strategic use aids in maintaining viewer attention and enhances the narrative experience by echoing the structure of classic cinema.

  • recent Example: The film The Brutalist, with its 15-minute intermission, exemplifies how splitting a film can prevent viewer fatigue, offering a moment to stretch, use the restroom, or buy refreshments.
  • Past Insight: Intermissions originally arose out of necessity during the 1930s to 1970s for reel changes and commercial breaks, later phased out with advances in technology.
  • Current Trend: Films like the Hateful Eight and Zack Snyder’s version of The Justice League have also embraced intermissions, reflecting a return to traditional cinematic experiences.

Why Are Intermissions Controversial, and What are the Pros and Cons?

Intermissions attract both supporters and skeptics, highlighting a tension between traditional film viewing practices and modern audience expectations.

Pros:

  • Viewer Comfort: Intermissions help prevent discomfort during long movies. Mariano Llinás, director of the 14-hour film The Flower, emphasized their role in maintaining viewer attention and making the cinematic experience more enjoyable.
  • Narrative Structure: Producer Dj Gugenheim of The Brutalist relates intermissions to classic films like lawrence of Arabia and doctor Zhivago,where they play a vital role in narrative pacing and audience engagement.

Cons:

  • Disruption of Continuity: Critics, including Frederick Wiseman, argue that intermissions risk breaking the narrative flow, potentially losing audience engagement.
  • industry Challenges: Distributors fear that introducing intermissions complicates scheduling and possibly reduces theater revenues.

How Do Directors Feel About the Use of Intermissions in Films?

Directors’ opinions on intermissions vary widely, reflecting personal preferences and artistic goals.

  • Supportive Directors: Spanish director Jonah Trueba expressed a love for the dynamism and discussion that intermissions bring,despite confessing the intermission in the Brutalist didn’t quite match the film’s promise.
  • Skeptical Directors: Viewpoints like those of Lav Diaz and Todd Solondz reveal skepticism about the necessity and impact of intermissions, with some suggesting they could enable audiences to skip parts of a film.
  • renowned Opponents: Directors like James Cameron and Christopher Nolan generally avoid intermissions, perhaps due to the seamless storytelling style prevalent in their work.

What Impact Do Intermissions Have on viewer experience?

Intermissions influence the movie-going experience, affecting both the physical comfort and psychological engagement of viewers.

  • Viewer Re-engagement: As noted by Llinás, intermissions can renew interest and commitment to the film, making the return to the cinema hall feel rewarding.
  • Marketing and Engagement Strategy: In the United Kingdom, VUE cinemas experimented with intermissions to combat younger audiences’ attention challenges, receiving positive feedback that underlines potential benefits in viewer satisfaction and service quality.

What Does the Future Hold for Intermissions in Cinema?

The future of intermissions in cinema is a topic of ongoing debate, balancing tradition with modern innovation.

  • Selective Implementation: While the idea is appealing to some directors and audiences, practical challenges may limit their widespread adoption. In Spain, the response is mixed, with some industry leaders favoring their selective use.
  • Continued Dialog: as films continue to grow in lengthiness and ambition, the discourse around intermissions will persist, signifying broader cultural conversations about the evolving nature of cinematic experiences.
  • Cultural Significance: Emphasizing more than mere breaks, intermissions can now be seen as a way to imbue films with a sense of grandeur and narrative depth, harking back to epic stories of the past. Jordi Balló notes Corbet’s efforts to engage audiences through the intermission, holding a timeless allure.

Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

The resurgence of intermissions reflects a compelling mix of nostalgia and modern necessity, inviting film enthusiasts and industry figures to reconsider the cinematic experience. Whether intermissions become a permanent fixture or remain a selective choice, they continue to prompt meaningful discussion about the future of film viewing.

Relevant sources and studies could be linked for further reading,such as:

  • Article on the historical aspect of film reels and the impact of technology on movie viewing experiences [[2]].
  • Critic insight on cinematic narratives and structure [[3]].
  • Anecdotal analysis of audience and industry reactions [[1]].

The Resurgence of Intermissions in Modern Cinema: An In-Depth Q&A

The concept of intermissions in films is making a surprising comeback in modern cinema, sparking discussions across the industry. This article aims to delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks, directorial perspectives, and future implications of this trend.

What is an Intermission in the Context of Modern Cinema, and Why is it Resurfacing?

An intermission in modern cinema is a scheduled break within a movie, intended to provide audiences with a opportunity to rest, visit the restroom, or buy refreshments. Its resurgence is primarily seen in longer films, where it serves distinct purposes:

  • Viewer Comfort: Long films can often be taxing to sit through continuously. An intermission helps alleviate physical discomfort like leg pain or eye strain by allowing viewers a necessary break.
  • Narrative Structure: Some filmmakers argue that intermissions allow for greater depth in storytelling by creating a pause that can heighten audience anticipation and engagement for the second part.
  • Past context: Traditionally, intermissions were necessary due to reel changes and served commercial purposes. As movies grew in length over recent decades, especially now averaging between 120-180 minutes, the practicality of intermissions for maintaining audience attention resurfaces.

Recent notable examples include films like The Hateful Eight and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which have embraced intermissions, echoing the classic structure of films like Lawrence of Arabia.

Why Are Intermissions Controversial, and What are the Pros and Cons?

Intermissions evoke diverse opinions, illustrating a divide between customary and contemporary cinematic experiences.

Pros:

  • Enhanced Viewer Comfort: By breaking up a lengthy feature, intermissions help prevent viewer fatigue, making the experience more enjoyable and manageable, particularly for exceptionally long films such as the Flower, known for its 14-hour runtime.
  • Strengthened Narrative Engagement: Directors like Dj Gugenheim of The Brutalist view intermissions as integral to narrative pacing, allowing audiences to fully digest a film’s first act and build excitement for what follows.

cons:

  • Risk of Disrupted Continuity: Critics, including filmmakers like Frederick Wiseman, argue that intermissions may break the flow of the narrative, potentially causing disengagement.
  • Operational Challenges for Theatres: As expressed by various cinema operators, intermissions complicate scheduling, reduce the number of screenings possible, and present logistical challenges.

How Do Directors Feel About the Use of Intermissions in Films?

Director opinions on intermissions vary widely:

  • Supportive Views: Spanish director Jonah Trueba appreciates the dynamic they bring, favoring intermissions for the potential for audience engagement and discussion. However, he finds that not all implementations are effective, as noted with The Brutalist.
  • Skeptical Views: Directors like Lav Diaz and Todd Solondz view intermissions as unneeded. Solondz humorously points out that intermissions sometimes allow audiences to miss the second half without repercussions.

What Impact Do Intermissions Have on Viewer Experience?

The impact of intermissions on the viewer’s experience can be significant:

  • Physical and Mental Refreshment: As noted by director Mariano Llinás, intermissions provide a vital break for physical comfort and mental engagement, making the return to the cinema a more attractive prospect after the break.
  • Engagement and Discussion: The VUE cinemas in the UK found positive reactions to intermissions amongst younger audiences who struggle with sustained attention, indicating an improved viewer experience.

What Does the Future Hold for intermissions in Cinema?

The future of intermissions in cinema involves careful consideration of their potential benefits against their challenges:

  • Selective Implementation: Intermissions may not become universally adopted but may see selective use in films that warrant such a break, much like Wicked.
  • Evolving Role: The notion of intermissions reflects broader cultural conversations about the evolving nature of cinematic experiences, potentially signaling a broader adoption in specific contexts or cinematic genres.

Conclusion: Balancing tradition and Innovation

The return of intermissions in modern cinema epitomizes the balance between honoring cinematic tradition and embracing innovation. Whether intermissions become a staple or remain a selective choice,they are undoubtedly prompting a wider discussion about the future of film viewing experiences.

For further reading on the impact and history of intermissions in films, authoritative sources and related articles are available. This dialog will likely continue as filmmakers and audiences collectively explore how best to enhance cinematic storytelling in an era of ever-increasing film lengths and narrative complexities.

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