I booked my ticket in advance and reserved a place at a screening.
So far this story isnt very unusual, but bear with me because there are surprises in store.
Or, at least, there were surprises in store.
And there are also surprises coming up in this column because its all about surprises.
Whoa, its Bill Murray!
That was a surprise.
Anyway, I go to the cinema a lot and normally I know what Im going to see.
This kind of prior knowledge is useful and has practical benefits.
(Godzilla t-shirt and giddy grin for monster movies.
Set to melancholy-malaise mode and sombre sweaters for bleak arthouse dramas.)
Aside from those vital details, it was a complete surprise.
The butler is being pleasured by a man in a bear suit!
Weird and unnerving surprise!
This event was another Secret Screening hosted by Cineworld for Unlimited membership cardholders.
Leia, Luke and Darth Vader are all relatives!
Surprising family revelation with massive dramatic consequences!
All riled up on adrenaline and puzzlement, I retreated into my mind palace as the trailers played.
What came out and was outstandingly excellent in 2011?
What sequels are due to come out soon and are fixed up to be exhibited in 3D?
Did someone greenlight Black Swan 2 or Rango Strikes Back and not tell anyone?
Utterly devastating, smashing knockout-blow surprise from which you may never be able to recover!
Eventually the trailers ceased, the screen went black and the auditorium lights dimmed.
Creepy demon child jump scare out of nowhere!
Shocking surprise that frightens you to your wits ends!
Generally speaking, modern audiences are quite jaded.
Films rely on surprise, especially thrillers and horror movies.
It was Earth the whole time!
What do you mean you saw that one coming?
They revealed the big surprise on the DVD cover?
Damn them all to hell!
There are far fewer secrets and our structures and culture are less secret-friendly.
algorithms and the inclination towards the familiar and sticking to what you know is re-enforced.
The marketing machine is also a monster hell bent on ravaging any remaining mystique in the world movie.
Now clued up and viewing the film from a prejudiced position, mystery and surprise are missing entirely.
Theyre all witches and the coven is trying to raise a new Antichrist!
Hes a clone and his memories are all implants!
Returning to the quote that introduced this column, Id urge that sometimes we accept the mystery.
That opening statement wasnt an inconsequential throwaway!
Life is sweeter and more interesting when some things are shrouded in secrecy.
James Clayton is SURPRISE!
You canread James last column here.
