The last modern film to widely feature an intermission in its theatrical release is widely considered to be Quentin Tarantino’s 2015 masterpiece, The Hateful Eight. Though some smaller independent films have used intermissions since, The Hateful Eight, with its wide release and director’s cut specifically formatted for the theatrical experience, represents the last major revival of this once-common cinematic practice.
The Vanishing Intermission: A History
The intermission – a pause in the middle of a film, often accompanied by a brief musical cue and the raising of the house lights – was once a standard feature in moviegoing. Its roots lie in the early days of cinema, when projectors necessitated frequent reel changes. But even as technology advanced, the intermission lingered, serving practical and, arguably, artistic purposes.
For decades, intermissions offered several key benefits. They allowed audiences to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and purchase refreshments. For exhibitors, they represented a lucrative revenue stream through concession sales. From a storytelling perspective, intermissions could serve as a dramatic pause, allowing the audience to reflect on the first half of the film before embarking on the second. Epic films, especially those running over three hours, virtually demanded an intermission. Think of classics like Lawrence of Arabia (1962) or Ben-Hur (1959).
However, as film lengths gradually decreased and audience attention spans seemed to follow suit, the intermission began to fade from popularity. The rise of multiplex cinemas, with their emphasis on maximizing screenings per day, further contributed to its decline.
The Hateful Eight: A Purposeful Revival
Quentin Tarantino, a director known for his meticulous attention to detail and reverence for classic cinema, consciously chose to incorporate an intermission into The Hateful Eight. This wasn’t merely a nostalgic gimmick; it was an integral part of the film’s artistic vision.
The director deliberately crafted a roadshow version of the film, which ran approximately three hours and two minutes, complete with overture, intermission, and extra footage not included in the general release. The intermission was intended to enhance the viewing experience, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the film’s meticulously constructed world and appreciate its slow-burn tension. Tarantino even insisted that theaters showing the roadshow version utilize 70mm film, further emphasizing the film’s grand scale and theatricality.
By consciously reviving the intermission, Tarantino challenged contemporary cinematic conventions and invited audiences to engage with film in a more deliberate and mindful way. The move was a testament to his belief in the power of the communal moviegoing experience and his commitment to preserving cinematic traditions.
The Legacy of The Hateful Eight Intermission
While The Hateful Eight didn’t single-handedly resurrect the intermission as a widespread practice, it did spark conversation about its potential value. It demonstrated that, in the right context, an intermission could be more than just a break; it could be an artistic tool that enhances the overall viewing experience. While few major releases have followed suit, the film cemented its place in cinema history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What is a film intermission and what purpose did it serve historically?
A film intermission is a deliberate pause built into the middle of a movie screening. Historically, intermissions served practical purposes, like allowing for reel changes in early projectors, and gave audiences a chance to stretch, use the restroom, and purchase refreshments. They also allowed theaters to boost concession sales. Artistically, they could provide a dramatic break, allowing audiences time to process the first half of the story.
H3 Why did intermissions disappear from most modern films?
Several factors contributed to the decline of the intermission. Shorter film lengths, the rise of multiplex cinemas prioritizing more screenings, and changing audience attention spans made them less desirable. The elimination of the intermission also led to increased ticket sales per day.
H3 Did The Hateful Eight have an intermission in all versions of the film?
No. While the roadshow version of The Hateful Eight, specifically designed for 70mm screenings, prominently featured an intermission, the general release version did not. The roadshow version was also longer and contained extra scenes.
H3 Was Quentin Tarantino the first director to use an intermission in a film?
Certainly not. Intermissions were common in longer films, especially epics, for much of cinema history. Directors like David Lean ( Lawrence of Arabia), Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey), and many others incorporated intermissions into their films.
H3 Are there any recent examples of films, besides The Hateful Eight, that have included intermissions?
While rare, some independent films and special theatrical events have utilized intermissions in recent years. These are often smaller-scale productions aimed at creating a unique or nostalgic viewing experience and are generally shown in arthouse cinemas.
H3 Does having an intermission affect a film’s profitability?
It’s complex. On one hand, intermissions can boost concession sales. On the other, they reduce the number of screenings possible per day. The financial impact depends on factors like ticket price, concession sales per person, and the overall popularity of the film.
H3 What is a “roadshow” version of a film?
A “roadshow” presentation refers to a special theatrical release, often with a longer running time, an intermission, and sometimes unique elements like an overture or entr’acte music. These presentations aim to recreate the grand, immersive experience of classic moviegoing.
H3 Did the inclusion of an intermission in The Hateful Eight affect the film’s reception?
Critical reception of The Hateful Eight was mixed to positive overall, with some praising Tarantino’s direction and the performances, while others criticized the film’s pacing and violence. The inclusion of the intermission was a talking point, with some critics appreciating the nod to classic cinema and others finding it unnecessary.
H3 Are there any technical challenges to incorporating an intermission into a modern film?
Technically, no. Modern digital projection systems easily allow for pauses. The challenge lies in the artistic decision of where to place the intermission and ensuring it feels natural within the film’s narrative.
H3 What are the advantages and disadvantages of a film having an intermission from the audience’s perspective?
Advantages: Breaks up long films, allows for restroom breaks and refreshment purchases, provides a chance to discuss the film with others, and can enhance the overall cinematic experience.
Disadvantages: Interrupts the flow of the story, adds to the overall viewing time, and may be seen as unnecessary for shorter films.
H3 Could intermissions make a comeback in the future?
It’s unlikely they will become commonplace, but the potential for intermissions to enhance specific types of films – particularly epics or immersive cinematic experiences – remains. As audiences increasingly seek out unique and memorable moviegoing experiences, the intermission could see a niche revival.
H3 What should filmmakers consider when deciding whether or not to include an intermission in their film?
Filmmakers should consider the film’s length, pacing, and overall artistic vision. They should ask whether an intermission would genuinely enhance the viewing experience or simply feel like an unnecessary interruption. The target audience and the intended theatrical context (e.g., a special roadshow presentation versus a general release) are also important factors to consider. Ultimately, the decision should be driven by a desire to serve the story and create a more meaningful connection with the audience.