While we are all suffering the affects of the struggling economy, there is one business that seems to resist it all. The movie industry successfully booms, while the rest of businesses barely manage to get by in this recession. This industry will be remembered as prospering even as the economy collapsed.

The City of Auburn is no exception to the rule, as the Carmike Wynnsong 16 has been packed by people of all ages throughout the past months. Auburn University student, Julia McNeel, said she has seen several films in the past few weeks.

“ The last time I went to the movies, the line was backed up all the way into the parking lot," McNeel said. "A ticket guy even had to come out and read a list to the crowd of people of which movies were sold out.”

McNeel also said that movies ticket prices are still a good value when compared to concerts or major sporting events.

This realization did not come as a huge surprise because history has shown that during times of trouble, the movie industry does not suffer. "The Great Depression" was one classic example. Americans managed to gather the few nickels that they could, so they could enjoy a Marx brothers comedy or a monster film.

According to Time Magazine, "When times are bad, our business seems to buck the trend," says Dan Glickman, president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). "The movies are great therapy. It's a lot cheaper than a psychiatrist.” I think most would agree and say that movies can be an outlet for your feelings, especially when times are hard. It is nice to escape the real world even for a couple of hours. The article also said that movie grosses have risen in five of the last seven economic downturns.

The Auburn community is typically more conservative, so when it comes to seeing movies a recognition factor is beneficial to the industry. Producing movies with well-known actors and actresses is reassuring to students and the community so that they know they are putting their money into something familiar. Forrest Champion, whose dad is an attorney for Carmike Wynnsong, says he hopes people in the community will continue to go and see movies as an effort to take their minds off of the suffering economy.

Ticket sales for the year Jan.2, 2008 through Jan.1, 2009 made $9.63 billion, which was more than the year before. The six major studios all matched or bettered their 2007 box office results. With movies such as “The Dark Knight,” “Sex and the City,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” the industry was successful in producing something for all tastes. “ The Dark Knight” was the second top grosser of all time after “Titanic.”

The upcoming Oscars on Feb.22, 2009, might also have an affect on movie sales.

“I like to go and see the movies that have been nominated for Oscars," McNeel said. "It is more fun that way.”

Watching movies is a pastime that can unite people of all backgrounds. They create a common ground and provoke conversations and thoughts.


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