Mitski has recently announced her new film, The Land, that will premiere in theaters this coming October. Tickets went on sale starting Sept. 15 and I personally will be tuning in. I immediately knew I had to drag my friend and designated movie theater buddy to go with me. This film couldn’t have come at a better time. I went to Mitski’s concert here in Berkeley at the Greek Theater last year and since then, longed for more.
I’ve always loved going to concerts. However, as a college student with no job, my budget has been pretty low. With recent financial struggles, I kissed my concert days goodbye (temporarily of course). Watching through Instagram, and living vicariously through each story and video is how I cope.
But all that saving of money went straight into $20 movie tickets and $20 for snacks to sneak in. A manageable, won’t break the bank but still a splurge, kind of night. Forget Uber and the hassle of getting to a concert venue; I can park in the empty lot by the theater.
There’s something incredibly accessible, and therefore incredibly rewarding, in concert films. Affordability, accessibility, and I get to bring my favorite snacks?
I don’t think I have to mention Taylor Swift before anyone thinks of her recent concert film. Videos circling TikTok, trickling down to Instagram, all showcasing the unique and special experience of viewing these films in theaters. Not waiting for streaming, not rotting in bed while you enjoy it. Going out with friends, dressing up, interacting with people who all have at least one thing in common with you.
These concert films are nothing new, from Michael Jackson to Beyoncé. What makes concert films different is the fact that it’s a middle ground. For regular movies and films, theaters are the equivalent of being at the concert. Experiencing it live, in your face, in the moment. Both have the cheap and easy option of viewing from home, all you have to do is wait.
Concert films give audiences these two additional chances of viewing, outside of the youtube videos and stories uploaded by fans. High quality films that turn into a new medium, all in the artist’s unique perspective and vision. Something that then becomes available in a better atmosphere than your couch.
How many people would have shown up in theaters for A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter? I’ll never know in this timeline, but it would’ve been my Christmas gift to my movie buddy had it not gone straight to streaming.
Two worlds begin to mesh, and concert films create a unique atmosphere. You can show up in your pajamas, or you can dress up as if for a concert. You can sing along, or just watch. It’s often a hit or miss when it comes to other people doing so. A trick of luck depending on what you prefer. But that’s just an excuse to go again, as you can afford another movie ticket. Not another concert ticket.
I won’t be attending any concerts any time soon, but I will be dropping by my local theaters as often as need be. Enjoying my favorite artist with a sound mind knowing my bank account wasn’t emptied and theaters are sticking around.