“Straight Outta Compton” Reason for Increased Security at some Theater Houses
As movie goers flocked to see the film, “Straight Outta Compton,” a biopic about the pioneering hip-hop group, N.W.A., some of them noticed an increase of security guards and police officers at the theaters.
According to officials at Universal Studios, which brought the film to the silver screen, the company offered to pay for extra security at movie houses that needed it.
News outlets across the country reported that Los Angeles police officers were worried that patrons of the movie would be inspired to do harm to police officers because of song lyrics in the movie’s soundtrack including the songs entitled “F—k The Police” and “Boyz-N-The Hood.”
Andrea MacPherson, an associate professor at University of the Fraser Valley in Canada, took in the popular film in British Columbia, Canada. She noticed the security guards at the theater did something they normally don’t do -- they stayed inside of the theater while the movie played.
“We were blown away to see that same security guard routinely walk the aisles of the theatre during the movie, looking for...?” MacPherson says. “I have never experienced this before, and it was unsettling and offensive--both to their assumptions about the movie, and the movie-goers.”
MacPherson, 38, says others in the theater noticed the same thing and so she decided to let the theater know that she did not appreciate the extra security measures.
“I actually sent an email to the theater afterwards, expressing my offense at their perceived "need" for a security guard at this specific movie,” she says. “It was beyond ridiculous.”
Music producer Cory Cook wanted to mark the occasion by seeing the film with family members at the Studio Movie Grill in Wheaton, Ill. He says he wanted to enjoy the film free of the negativity that continues to pull the country apart.
“We picked that particular place because my cousin had never experienced a theater that catered food and drinks to you at your seat,” Cook says. “More importantly we knew we wouldn't be disturbed by police or any other negative vibes after going through a rough week involving police and street violence.”
Cook, a South Side Chicago resident, says he got a lot out of watching the film.
“The message I received or interpreted was be aware. Be vocal and unashamed for standing up for yourself,” Cook says. “The music business is exactly what they painted it to be. It also spoke to me about forgiveness and maturity in regards to how you handle yourself in business that relates or ties you to people you love.”
As of last weekend, “Straight Outta Compton grossed over $112 million. According to Variety.com, the biopic had the fifth largest August opening in history and the biggest film debut for an R-rated film this month.
Ironically, the film’s setting is in the city of Compton, Ca. but some residents there may not get the chance to see it because Compton does not have a movie theater.
Currently, there have been no reports on violence connected with the film.
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