Talk about fan dedication. As many movie theaters have reopened, there are still some key markets where they remain closed. If you live in California or New York, there has been very little indication about when their doors will open again and if you're a fan of Christopher Nolan in these areas, hoping to see TENET, your options are slim. For some fans, nothing is going to stop them and thanks to a report from "Variety", we're learning some fans are willing to fly to locations that have reopened their theaters just to see the film.
California resident Tyler Tompkins booked a plane ride to see TENET weeks before movie tickets for the film even went on sale. This cost to see the film is as hefty as it gets with a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Austin costing him $220. This is without accounting for the ticket itself, popcorn, or soda. His plan is to land in Austin when the film opens on September 1, since movie theaters have opened there, book it to the AMC Barton Creek Square, and see the movie twice before returning straight home. Tompkins had this to say about his decision:
"I’m seeing the movie like three hours after I land. That’s the whole purpose of this trip. My friends think I’m crazy, going all the way across the country to watch it, but we want to show support for this film and we’ll do anything to see it."
Tompkins is traveling with three other friends and isn't on this excursion alone but it's a pretty bold move just to see a movie. Tompkins describes himself as a 24-year old cinephile that moved from Austin to Los Angeles with a few friends hoping to break into the film industry. The pandemic has put a damper on that but he's not letting it ruin his chance to see TENET, especially since he considers himself " an evangelical Christopher Nolan fan."
At least Tompkins was brave enough to give his name. Another movie fan that "Variety" spoke to wanted to maintain anonymity but they're also from the Los Angeles area and they will be flying out to Salt Lake City over the weekend to catch the film. They're comparing the TENET experience to “Star Wars fans camping out for tickets, or Apple users queueing for new iPhones. It’s stupid, yes, but it’s something I’m interested in.” The self-proclaimed film junkie plans to catch the film at an IMAX with Utah’s Megaplex Theatres. They were able to pay for their flight with air miles, shelling out a feasible $13 in taxes and fees. Thanks to a free stay with friends, they believe they'll only spend $50 over the weekend ahead of their August 31 screening. BTW, not throwing any shade at the fact this particular person is wishing not to disclose their name, especially since they're requesting off work to do this. I suspect that's the reason for the secrecy and not embarrassment.
Some markets have lifted restrictions on theaters with movies like UNHINGED opening last weekend at 1,823 venues in North America. The opening for the film was a decent $4.1 million which is impressive considering several key markets are out of play. Major markets like New York, California, and New Jersey remain shuttered, and many are critical of all non-essential travel, let alone for an out-of-state movie, even if it's directed by Christopher Nolan. Even with these markets still dark, reports came in yesterday that TENET'S pre-sale tickets in the U.S. were out-selling Nolan's DUNKIRK and INTERSTELLAR. This was also the case in the UK and Australia. That's a solid sign that business could be better than expected as the film opens without the key markets that are normally a big chunk of a film's box office. Is this because fans are flying out to locations that can actually show the film? I doubt it, but, I can't say I don't know people personally who are doing this. I have three friends who are flying out of Los Angeles to Las Vegas just to see TENET. I'm sure the lure of Vegas, while limited due to the pandemic, is also a selling point but that was their motivation. I suppose this is the first big event movie since the world went to hell and theaters closed in March. The anticipation is a lot higher considering the need for the film for some moviegoers.
Would YOU go to these lengths to see TENET?