UK Cinema Leader Urges Filmmakers to Cut Movie Runtimes
Claire Binns, creative director at Picturehouse Cinemas, calls on directors to shorten films, citing audience comfort and the need for more flexible cinema schedules as movie lengths continue to rise.
Claire Binns, creative director at Picturehouse Cinemas and this year’s recipient of the Bafta for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, has sparked debate by urging filmmakers to rethink the length of their movies. Her comments come as the industry sees a surge in lengthy films, with recent blockbusters like Oppenheimer and The Brutalist running for three hours or more.
Binns expressed concern that extended runtimes are making it harder for theaters to accommodate multiple showings and for audiences to enjoy the experience.
I talk to producers about this and say: ‘Tell the director you’re making the film for an audience, not the directors, ’
she explained, emphasizing the importance of considering the viewer’s comfort.
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.
Impact on Theaters and Audiences
Binns highlighted how longer movies limit the number of screenings a theater can offer in a single evening.
It means you only get one evening show. 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,
she said. The shift in viewing habits, with more people turning to streaming services during the pandemic, has made it even more important for theaters to provide a comfortable and appealing experience.
She noted that the pandemic changed how people watch films, with many getting used to the convenience of streaming from home. However, Binns remains optimistic about the future of theaters, pointing out that the industry is adapting and working with streaming platforms to draw audiences back to the big screen.
Original Stories Leading the Way
Despite the challenges, Binns sees hope in the growing popularity of films with fresh, original stories. She mentioned titles like Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and Marty Supreme as examples of movies that are gaining attention in the awards circuit for 2026. These films, she believes, show that audiences are eager for new narratives and experiences at the movies.
Binns’s call for shorter films is part of a broader conversation about how the industry can evolve to meet the needs of both theaters and moviegoers in a changing entertainment landscape.