#MovieCliché #BuyinginMovies #PaperMoneyInMovies
Have you ever noticed that in most movie scenes where the actor is buying something, they know exactly what it costs without asking, and they always have the exact paper money needed? 🎬 It’s a common movie cliché that we often overlook, but it’s actually quite interesting to dive into. Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon and uncover why it happens in movies.
The Movie Cliché of Knowing Exactly What Things Cost
In many movies, there’s a common trend where characters seem to know the exact cost of items without needing to ask. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a meal at a restaurant, or a taxi ride, the characters always seem to have the exact change or the perfect amount of paper money on hand. But why is this such a prevalent cliché in movies?
Possible Explanations for this Phenomenon
There are several potential reasons why this movie cliché exists, and it can be quite interesting to explore them. Here are a few possible explanations for this phenomenon:
Simplification for the Sake of the Story: In movies, every scene and line of dialogue needs to serve a purpose and move the story forward. To avoid unnecessary dialogue or distractions, filmmakers often simplify day-to-day activities like buying something to keep the focus on the main plot.
Establishing Character Traits: The ability to effortlessly handle money and make quick, accurate transactions can be used to establish a character’s confidence, wealth, or street smarts. It’s a quick and effective way for filmmakers to convey certain traits without delving into exposition.
Suspension of Disbelief: Movies often require viewers to suspend their disbelief and accept certain exaggerations or simplifications for the sake of the story. The idea of characters always having the exact change or paper money needed could be one of these accepted simplifications.
Examples of the “Exact Change” Movie Cliché
To highlight this common movie cliché, let’s take a look at a few notable examples from popular films:
In the iconic diner scene from “Pulp Fiction,” Jules and Vincent know the exact cost of their meals and leave the correct amount of money on the table without asking for the bill.
In “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” Kevin McCallister effortlessly pays for a toy at Duncan’s Toy Chest with the perfect amount of cash, all while being pursued by the “Sticky Bandits.”
In “Pretty Woman,” Vivian skillfully negotiates the price of her “services” as a prostitute, showcasing her sharp understanding of transactions and money.
The Impact of this Cliché on Real Life
While this movie cliché serves its purpose in the world of cinema, it can have an interesting impact on our perceptions and behaviors in real life. Here are a few ways this cliché might influence our interactions with money and transactions:
Expectations of Efficiency: After being conditioned by countless movies where characters effortlessly know the cost of things, we might subconsciously expect the same level of efficiency in our own real-life transactions.
Stressful Comparisons: When we compare our own real-life experiences of buying things with the seamless transactions we see in movies, it can create a sense of pressure or inadequacy if we struggle to handle money as effortlessly as the characters on screen.
Enhanced Realism in Modern Cinema: With the rise of gritty, realistic portrayals in modern cinema, some filmmakers deliberately avoid using this movie cliché to capture the messiness and unpredictability of everyday life. This deliberate departure from the cliché can bring a refreshing sense of authenticity to certain films.
Final Thoughts on the “Exact Change” Movie Cliché
The prevalence of characters always having the exact money they need in movies is a fascinating aspect of cinematic storytelling. While it may seem like a small detail, it speaks to the careful construction of film narratives and the subtle impact of popular culture on our everyday behaviors and perceptions.
It’s important to approach movie clichés with a critical eye and an appreciation for their role in shaping our understanding of storytelling and human behavior. The next time you watch a movie and notice this cliché in action, take a moment to reflect on the deeper implications it holds for both on-screen and real-life interactions with money and transactions.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of characters always knowing the exact cost of things in movies may be a convenient storytelling device, but it also offers a unique window into the intersection of cinematic tropes and real-life experiences with money. By recognizing and examining these clichés, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which popular culture influences our perceptions and behaviors in the realm of finance and transactions.
I was like that as a kid going to the store to get candy. I could usually have it down to a few cents difference and usually had just the exact amount I need. Did it so often I got a little bit lf free candy from the clerk.
Maybe if it’s 1 thing I buy repeatedly, but now prices fluctuate every other day so it’s hard to either way.
Maybe focus on the story, the dialogue, and the performances, and not the meaningless minutiae/ Just a thought.
Yes, it’s almost as if the mechanics of the purchase transaction are generally irrelevant to the plot.
Yes, since normally when you go in a shop you see the price on the shelf, and so know what it will cost, and hand over money covering that cost, typicaly receiving change afterwards.
However, these days people rarely use cash, suely?
I recall in National Treasure (2004), Nicolas Cage has to pay $35 to walk out with a “copy” of the Declaration of Independence. He fumbles around with his wallet for awhile and only manages to scrounge up $34 and some cents. The cashier then says they accept credit card payment.
Like in Gregg Arakis The Doom Generation, where everything costs 6.66
As a European it always baffles me the price displayed and the price at the register aren’t the same in the states.
I know, state taxes are different across the states, but … isn’t it up to the store to display correct prices?
If someting says 2 € on the sticker, I’m paying 2 € at the register.
When I visited the states that was quite the confrontation when i first tried to buy something.
The label says 2$, but at the register they ring you up for 2.50$. (Probably a wildly inaccurate example, but you get the point).
And don’t get me started on the tipping culture.
I know, right? In reality, I have no idea what I’m spending at all and just throw down £1000 just in case.
And they always get a parking spot right in front of the shop!
Not in “The Room,” Johnny told her to keep the change. He’s her favorite customer
Maybe they live somewhere where the prices are labeled somewhere or something…
They’re just badass and leave the change
Ever notice they never bother actually eating food during dining scenes?
This drives me crazy. Also: everybody is at less than a second away from the door always. And if there’s no answer within the second, it means something’s wrong and they must kick the door down.
what if they were at the dollar tree ?
These showerthoughts have been on the very stupid side.
IRL I have no idea what the total of my purchases is, and just ignore cashiers if they happen to announce that total, but still manage to pay the exact amount by tapping a card on a screen.
So, there’s that.
And virtually every bar scene doesn’t charge at all for drinks.
THRILL as the cashier RUNS OUT OF QUARTERS and the hero must stand around while they go to fetch another roll.
People need to watch some MST3Ks so they can experience bad filmmakers leaving in these kind of agonizingly boring details either through sheer incompetence or to pad out the run time of the 15 minutes of actual story they have.
Hmmmm, I believe, in No country for old men, Anton Sigurr actually asks the shopkeeper for the price.
This concept is referred to by people in the industry as “shoe leather”. It was named after the awkward sounds that would be made while walking from place to place(the front door to the lobby for example).
Directors generally make the creative decision to cut these moments out for engagement purposes, but sometimes will leave them in to drag out a scene in which the viewer is hooked or on the edge of their seat.
A fantastic video about it is [here](https://youtu.be/lQgnkTGtUJc?si=zs9V_M0T7JyaS1en) if anyone is interested.
And when they need to show someone a picture or video on a computer or laptop, they hit the power button and the picture/video immediately pops up. No searching for it or hitting play required.