Does anyone else miss the cinema theatres of yore? The bygone era where everybody dressed in their best of Sunday attire and went out to the movies? I sure do, and it presents the matter as more of an “event”. An artistic showing, instead of a gathering place for greasers, high school cheerleaders and burnouts. A sense of respectability was associated when entering the first theatres of time, as “cinema” and moving silent “pictures” were new forms of entertainment. Often folks preferred to go to the opera house or the acting theatre over some place showing “pictures” they were called. The act of attending for many was ludicrous. Now look at the way cinema has such an influential part of American pop culture.
Cinema is needed just as much for us to live as the industry needs us for its own monetary survival. And that is exactly the purpose and aim for this blog, to help cinema aim for the twenty second century in recognizing what makes movies great. I am inspired by the past, only to add inspiration for those future filmmakers out there who are listening. As we cannot live in the past, we must learn those techniques that our forefathers used to learn from their mistakes.
To pay money to see pictures, and not live fresh and blood actors on a stage? No way! That was an idea to “far out” for those living in the 20’s before “talkies” were popular. Many of the top script writers and actors of the times called foul play and claimed that the cinema houses were new and degenerate attempts at art, and scoffed at people’s interest in the new technology. Needless to say did those critical folks ever think that the biggest thing on Broadway today would be reoccurring time dwindlers like Cats and Wicked, still attracting theater buffs to pour in year after year, and century after century for the dying light that is live acting theater.
The once glamorous ‘event’ of attending a movie, unless it is a premiere, is so mainstream and Fordism-esque that it is the equivalent of grabbing a burger nowadays. People got to eat and watch something at the same time, and fantastically, are bored at the thought of going to the movies once again, it is a hassle almost when one also starts considering popcorn and drink prices. Thus renting a movie at redbox and seeing ole man Orville for your popcorn needs is becoming so increasingly commonplace-no one can afford it anymore.
Have you been able to find/hear of any theaters that still possess that feel that you speak of in the "days of yore"? Maybe indie theaters still embody that vibe of going to a theater as more of an experience than just an outing. If you've been to a film that has been in this kind of authentic environment, what was the film? and how do you think it has changed the film watching experience for you?
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Movie buff, writer, metal head, and lover of the outdoors. Nathan was born and raised in Southern Appalachia and wishes to continue to live tap dancing and writing with intent at the same time. He is currently studying for a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, N.C.