Cinema (or, Do Those Two Know What's In Store?)

Firstly, apologies for the poor quality of this photo. It was taken as quickly as possible so as to not attract attention and despite ruthless editing in Picasa, hasn't turned out too well. As it stands, it's really more of an excuse for a

rant.

One of my favourite pastimes in the UK, but one of the most grating experiences in Oman, for three distinct reasons.

Firstly, the concept of arriving with enough time to purchase tickets, stock up on half a week's supply of e-numbers, and sit down before the film actually starts seems to be an alien concept for most of the residents of Muscat. The result is people traipsing in up to half an hour after the start of the film causing disruption as they absentmindedly work out how they're going to sit down causing as much noise and distraction as possible.

Secondly, as an avid moviegoer from the UK, I have perhaps been spoiled into accepting that when people go to the cinema, the correct thing to do is to actually watch the film, in silence. Not so in Muscat, where people have open and loud conversations with complete disregard for the rest of the audience. Also, there are always one or two poor souls afflicted with a hyena/helium laughter problem which, ironically, only surfaces during the quiet, unfunny scenes.

Lastly, but perhaps the most gratingly annoying aspect of my cinema trips, is the trusty mobile phone. Without fail, several mobile phones will ring in the cinema. Often, the calls will be answered and a multitude of conversations will again take place. Added to this, I am subjected to distracting, bright luminous displays as people constantly text, instant message, Bluetooth and whatever else they feel like doing - despite the warnings from the management that mobile phones are not permitted at all.

To top it all off last night, I watched The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.

One of the worst films I have ever seen.