While cinematic epics like Titanic and The Godfather have historically captivated audiences with their three-hour narratives, a leading cinema executive is now calling for a significant reduction in film runtimes. Clare Binns, the managing director of Picturehouse Cinemas, has issued a stark warning to filmmakers, suggesting that excessively long movies could deter audiences from returning to theatres.
The Growing Concern Over Extended Screen Times
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Binns expressed her frustration with the trend towards longer films, which she believes compromises the viewing experience. "I talk to producers about this and say: 'Tell the director you're making the film for an audience, not the directors,'" she remarked. "There's always exceptions, but I look at a lot of films and think: 'You could take 20 minutes out of that.' There's no need for films to be that long."
This perspective comes despite the commercial triumphs of several recent lengthy blockbusters. For instance, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, with a precise three-hour runtime, earned nearly £730 million and secured seven Academy Awards. Similarly, Avatar: The Way of Water achieved a staggering £1.83 billion in global box office revenue, cementing its place as the third-highest-grossing film in history.
Practical Challenges for Cinemas
Binns highlighted the logistical difficulties posed by extended runtimes, noting that longer films limit the number of screenings a cinema can schedule each day. "It means you only get one evening show," she explained. "I think it's a wake-up call to directors. If they want their films in cinemas, people have to feel comfortable about what they're committing to."
Picturehouse Cinemas accommodates lengthy films by incorporating intervals when they are structurally included, as seen with The Brutalist, a 2024 release that runs for 3 hours and 35 minutes. Despite its duration, this Brady Corbet-directed film won three Oscars and generated a profitable £37 million.
Mixed Results for Lengthy Productions
However, not all extended films have enjoyed similar success. Babylon, with a runtime of 3 hours and 9 minutes, emerged as one of the most significant box-office disappointments of 2022. This inconsistency underscores Binns' argument that length does not guarantee commercial viability.
The trend towards longer films has been notably influenced by acclaimed directors like Martin Scorsese. His 2023 production, Killers of the Flower Moon, spans 3 hours and 26 minutes, surpassing his previous record set by The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013, which also clocked in at exactly three hours.
Historical Context and Modern Realities
Historically, lengthy films have achieved remarkable success. Classics such as Gone with the Wind (1939) at 3 hours and 58 minutes and Ben-Hur (1959) at 3 hours and 32 minutes were commercial smashes despite their durations. Moreover, none of the past twenty Oscar Best Picture winners has been under 90 minutes long.
Yet, Binns cautions that contemporary viewing habits have shifted. "During Covid, everybody got used to sitting on couches and watching streaming services," she observed. "But that's changing. We're working with the streamers to bring people in." This transition necessitates a renewed focus on audience comfort to encourage a return to traditional cinema experiences.
Industry Reflections and Future Directions
Recent industry reflections support Binns' concerns. Leonardo DiCaprio recently questioned whether audiences still possess an "appetite" for cinema after his critically acclaimed film One Battle After Another failed to break even at the box office. This sentiment highlights the broader challenges facing the film industry in attracting viewers.
As Binns prepares to receive her BAFTA for outstanding contribution to cinema on February 22, her message remains clear: directors must prioritise audience engagement and comfort. By trimming unnecessary footage and respecting viewers' time, filmmakers can enhance the cinematic experience and ensure the enduring appeal of the big screen.
