Friday, March 6, 1998
Give a round of applause to actors on silver screen
By Rachel Munoz
Daily Bruin Staff
Have you ever been sitting in a movie theater watching the
credits begin to roll when the audience erupts in applause? Maybe
you laughed, or maybe you joined in.
Which leads to the question of why people clap in movie
theaters. It’s not like the actors are on the stage performing a
live show. It’s a screen with clips of acting that were recorded
months ago.
Here is what a few students had to say about the subject:
"When you feel good you want to put something back. It is a show
of appreciation. You are showing everyone else that they like the
movie, but it kind of struck me as a little odd the first time I
experienced it."
Danny Tappan
Second-year
Anthropology
"I have no idea. People have gotten used to clapping whenever
they believe in something."
Kane Moon
Fifth-year
History
"It’s to let other people know you like the movie. Not that I
agree with it and not that I do it. I mean, you’re clapping to a
screen. It can’t really respond. It’s not like the movie makers can
hear you."
Kim LaMagna
Fourth-year
English
"Because they are emotionally moved. People are in touch with
the characters because they believe they are real. For example,
with Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars.’ He is so cool."
Matt MacFarland
Fourth-year
Business/Economics
"I like it. Most people clap on opening night because that crowd
is more interested in the movie. Otherwise they clap because they
are really interested and want people to know. Maybe they like an
actor."
Lorraine Lin
Anderson School employee and 1997 UCLA graduate
"It’s is more comfortable than to sit in silence. You don’t just
really want to walk out. It’s like a transitional stage; you’re
going from the movie frame of mind to normal life."
Mark Sanders
Third-year
Political science