It was a brisk fall midnight, as the hum of the coke machine and the gentle “ding” of the cash register broke the silence of the quiet Carmike 
theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 7, when “Skyfall” premiered. The number “007” holds a special place in people’s hearts, and it was only fitting
to hold a premier for the new James Bond movie.
The suave gentleman has captured hearts and bridged the gap between generations for 50 years now.
“I remember watching it on TV as a kid. It just continues down, bonding generations,” said Abbigail English, a high school student attending the movie with her father, Richard Muirhead.
“I grew up with James Bond. Been to every one(movie),” Muirhead said.
There were only a handful of people milling about in the lobby as they waited for the doors to the theatre to open. This came as a surprise to people who had been expecting the theatre to be packed. Muirhead and English, for example, arrived at Carmike shortly after 9 p.m. so that they would be sure to get good seats because they heard the theatre was most likely going to be sold out. This was not the case, however.
Upon entering Carmike, the lack of people was shocking. The employees twiddled their thumbs behind the concession counter, and only about 10 people hung out around the front. Although the turnout was not huge, those who were there were true James Bond fans.
Harrison Kirkpatrick, a seventh grader from All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler, had been waiting four years for the new James Bond movie. “Skyfall” was his first midnight premier, and his excitement was apparent as he sat smiling in his seat while he waited for the movie to begin.
“It’s late. It’s exciting. It’s pretty cool,” Kirkpatrick said.
At last, the movie began, and a murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as the familiar old theme began to play. There was a sense of community in the movie theater as everyone watched their favorite British spy kick butt.
Going to the midnight showing of a movie offers a different feel and mood to the typical experience.
“They’re typically the most packed. There is something about sharing that same unified experience,” Bear Rossman, a movie goer said.
Another member of the audience, Adam Cooper, said, “It makes it feel more like an event. Back in the day, it was a big thing to go to the movies. People would get all dressed up. I think it recaptures that.”
Some people even dress up in costumes for midnight premiers, which adds to the unique experience.
“I’ve never seen anyone dress up for a movie that wasn’t a midnight showing,” Cooper said.
As the movie ended and the credits began to role, the audience just sat and enjoyed the ambience. Nobody was in a rush to leave. The midnight showing awoke an excitement in the audience as they fought off sleep. It was an experience that would not be forgotten.
Hannah Johnson
Staff Writer
