Movie Watching Marathon Commences

Today in Times Square the world's laziest competition began: the Movie-Watching World Championship. For five days, 'round the clock, these eight folks will be in a world of celluloid. Each competitor is attempting to spend the full five days in the arena "where they’ll watch movie after movie in the hopes of breaking the movie watching world record of 120 hours and 23 minutes. The event champion will win a $10,000 cash prize, a lifetime membership to Netflix and the coveted Netflix Popcorn Bowl trophy." Mmm...popcorn bowl trophy.

Tomorrow morning the competitors are in for a headband-clad, mesh tanktop-wearing treat, as Richard Simmons will stop by and make them sweat before returning to their couch potato-state.

And this just in from the frontlines: the crew has already watched Iron Man, Best in Show and they're currently watching Ghostbusters. Later they'll miss the debate as they take in The English Patient. The rules are after the jump, and essentially state that there's "10 minute breaks between movies, no sleeping, no shutting eyes."

Guinness World Records rules require the contestants to watch films non-stop without averting their eyes from the screen. Competitors will be given 10 minutes between each movie, or approximately every two hours, to refresh themselves. Eating, drinking, standing and stretching are allowed as long as eyes are on the screen. Gourmet, chef crafted popcorn will be provided by Dale and Thomas Popcorn throughout the event. Medical professionals will monitor the contestants’ conditions throughout the event and assess if contestants are truly “watching” or are simply staring blankly at the screen.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on October 2, 2008 4:51 PM

Comments [rss]

zodak

am i the only one here who liked the english patient??

Politburo

"This is about as interesting as one of those contests where you can win a new car by being the person who keeps his hand on the car for the longest period of time."

Well, there was that one car contest where the guy snapped, went across the street, stole a gun, and shot himself...

myga

If you think five straight days of movie watching would be boring, imagine five straight days of watching people watch movies to make sure they're still awake.

JenChungsBaby

This is about as interesting as one of those contests where you can win a new car by being the person who keeps his hand on the car for the longest period of time.

Steven

What else are they going to be eating besides popcorn for 120 hours?

longacre

This is more exciting than a David Blaine stunt.

mocanlagunas

But are they allowed to sleep?!?

After the English Patient, I'd be out... my bet is that no one will last that long...

Barbj8

Are they allowed to do meth amphetamines? Cuz they'll need if they have to watch the English Patient. They don't look like the type of audience that will swoon over that boring epic.

r1b2

Agreed, simply no way to stay awake during The English Patient. That's like torture. What else, French Lieutenant's Woman?

r1b2

How are commenters asking if they're allowed to sleep? Did you read the frickin' post?! "10 minute breaks between movies, no sleeping, no shutting eyes." End of line.

Snoopy

Only in New York, kids, only in New York

SpecialKRB

I can't believe I bother to have a real job.

babyhitler

this is why america is still a financial power. the power of persistence. persistence to do the most inane most irreverent things that don't help anyone.

Spirit of 76

Do they get breaks to pick up popcorn and Raisinets? Actually, I think it would be a toss-up between the VP debate and The English Patient in terms of which is more boring.

maryba

It appears Crazy Legs Conti is straddling competitions!

ganghiscon

If they have to stay awake, good luck during The English Patient.

cwbuecheler

Speaking of sleep: are they allowed to? Going 120 hours w/o sleep is not particularly easy or healthy. Does it count as watching if you're passed out in a chair in front of the movie?