The Four Reasons To Bring Back Intermissions

Have you ever reached the point during a movie when your drink is empty, your eyes are strained, and your seat feels far less comfortable than it did when the film began? If so, you're not alone. In 2023, Killers of the Flower Moon was released with a 207-minute runtime, leaving many moviegoers with a difficult choice: make a trip to the restroom and miss an important scene or stay seated and hope for the best.

In response, some independent theaters introduced intermissions without approval from the filmmakers or distributors. For example, The Lyric, an independent theater in Colorado, advertised an eight-minute intermission during the film but was instructed to stop after being contacted by Paramount and Apple Original Films. While The Lyric viewed the request as unnecessary studio overreach, director Martin Scorsese argued that adding an intermission compromised his artistic vision. Scorsese responded to concerns about the film's length by saying,

Editor Thelma Schoonmaker also noted that altering the presentation violated the filmmakers' intended experience.

Although movie theater intermissions have remained a topic of debate for years, the industry remains divided, with little indication that either side is willing to compromise.

Filmmakers must recognize an important reality: longer runtimes can discourage audiences from seeing films in theaters, contributing to lower box office performance. For movies lasting more than two and a half hours, an intermission may persuade hesitant moviegoers to buy a ticket. Even director Alexander Payne criticized today's lengthy films during the Middleburg Film Festival, saying:

One of the biggest advantages of an intermission is giving audiences the opportunity to stretch, visit the restroom, and refill refreshments. It also creates time for moviegoers to discuss the story, especially if the break occurs during a dramatic cliffhanger. These shared conversations can help restore the communal movie-going experience that has gradually diminished over time.

Intermissions don't just benefit audiences—they can also increase theater revenue. A scheduled break gives guests another opportunity to purchase popcorn, candy, drinks, and other concessions. According to CNBC, while studios receive more than half of ticket sale revenue through film rental agreements, movie theaters often earn approximately 80% profit margins on concession sales. Intermissions could also create opportunities to sell movie merchandise, a strategy that has long been successful in live theater.

An intermission also creates additional advertising inventory. Even a six-minute break provides valuable screen time for local businesses, national advertisers, theater promotions, or upcoming film trailers, generating additional revenue for both theaters and advertising partners. 

During the discussion surrounding Killers of the Flower Moon, X user Bria Celest wrote:

Filmmakers have also expressed concerns that interrupting a movie break's the story's pacing and compromises the intended artistic experience. Unlike stage productions, film are not typically written around an intermission, meaning screenwriters would need to restructure scripts to accommodate one naturally.

Major theater chains have additional financial concerns. Because intermissions increase the length of each showing, theaters would be able to schedule fewer screenings each day. Jeff Bock, Senior Analyst for Exhibitor Relations, summarized this concern:

Whether you support or oppose movie theater intermissions, the discussion raises important questions about balancing artistic vision, audience comfort, and theater profitability. 

If you have thoughts on the future of intermissions, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to the team at Clark Film Buying and join the conversation.