During an opening weekend screening of the movie musical “Wicked,” a woman sitting in front of me reached for her phone during “The Wizard and I,” Cynthia Erivo’s first big number as the misunderstood green sorceress Elphaba. I watched as this person snapped several photos of Erivo as she belted. This behavior both bewildered me and, naturally, distracted me from the film. I became more focused on what exactly was being photographed — and why — than on Erivo’s performance. And yet this disruption is apparently not unusual if you have seen “Wicked” in a theater. Social media has been flooded with images that people have taken during the movie. One post actually prompted others to share their photos as if taking them was a badge of honor. (Even one of the movie’s stars, Ariana Grande, posted an Instagram Reel of her grandmother watching her sing “Popular.” That one we can let slide.)

The Impact of Phone Photography on Moviegoing Etiquette

Why “Wicked” Became a Hotspot for Phone Photography

During the opening weekend screening of “Wicked,” it was a common sight to see people reaching for their phones. The first big number by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba seemed to trigger this behavior. People were more interested in capturing the moment on their phones rather than truly experiencing the performance. This not only distracted the viewer but also showed how social media has influenced our moviegoing habits. It became a trend where taking photos during the movie was seen as something to boast about. Even the stars themselves, like Ariana Grande, contributed to this by posting about their movie-watching experiences on Instagram.

The Spread of Phone Photography in the Movie Industry

It’s not just “Wicked” that has seen this phenomenon. Taking photos and videos of the screen at movies has become a widespread practice. Major spoilers from “Deadpool & Wolverine” were quickly shared on social media due to poor-quality shots from audience members. Blockbusters aren't the only ones affected; even smaller films like “The Substance” have had their scenes captured on phones. This shows that the desire to document movie moments has transcended different types of movies and reached a wide audience. It has become a part of the moviegoing experience for many.

The Impact on Moviegoing Etiquette in the 21st Century

In the past, the main problem with cellphones in theaters was errant ringing or excessive texting. But now, it’s people holding up their devices to capture bits of the film and post them on their accounts. This has led to a breakdown in moviegoing etiquette. For those who just want to enjoy the movie in peace and be completely absorbed, it’s a major annoyance. It shows how technology has changed the way we interact with movies and has made it difficult to maintain a traditional moviegoing atmosphere. However, it also raises the question of whether this trend will ever go away and what the future of moviegoing will look like.