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Solo cinema
It's not a secret that I love movies. Love watching them but also love the big screen cinema experience. A bunch of strangers in a room going through the same story and emotions at the same time...I. love. it. With the added bliss of popcorn and junior mints, too. Ever since my favorite movie friend moved away, I've even been indulging in a little mid-day cinema therapy by myself now and then.
At first it felt kind of strange to park in the lot and walk up to the box office alone: "One ticket for...." (And the first time it actually required a pep talk phone call from my brother. I called to see if I was crazy. He said no, so I went.) But I love it...it feels decadent and indulgent which is just what I need now and then! I always come home feeling recharged and alive, marveling and envious at the creativity and artistry that is cinema (usually--not always so creative or artistic--there are clunkers).
One snowy afternoon in Harvard Square, I sat in the semi-darkened theater with 6 strangers--all of us solo. Something happened to the projector so we sat there for about 15 minutes, chatting and (since most of them were retirees) reminiscing about those classic grand cinema theaters and memories of bygone movie prices. One guy remembered that his mom would get a plate or a dish each time she came to the movies as some kind of promotion. Sometimes if she didn't like the movie, she would send him to pay the 5 cent admission and buy the dish since it was such a good deal.
It's still a good deal for me...much cheaper than therapy or other expensive habits. Just a little movie outing now and then...is it too much to ask? Guilt free?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Reader Comments (4)
I have you to thank for the brilliant idea of solo movies. While there's nobody I'd rather see a show with than you, I look forward to H being in school so I can enjoy the decadence. Come next fall when I'm sitting there solo with my D.C., popcorn, and junior mints, I will think of you and smile. My friend, A. Miss you like crazy.
I'm assuming I'm that brother? I was just talking with a friend about solo moviegoing. She referred to it as making a date with herself, but whatever you call it, it *is* therapeutic. I think one thing I like about it is that you can go to the movies alone but never really be alone. Laughter, shock, and sniffling are all contagious. I've seen - alone - Children of Men, Pan's Labyrinth, and The Departed in the last couple of months.
(Oh, and Annie: I have real plans to resurrect one of my blogs and really commit myself to the other. You just watch!)
Love, Matt
I have gone to movies stag (doe?) in Monterey, Cal. when I have been there alone for a day or two. In fact, one Friday I went to two movies and didn't mind it a bit. Although there are some movies I prefer to see with others along, so there can be a good discussion afterward. One gentleman in the old neighborhood here asked us what we like to do as a couple that is meaningful and builds our relationship. When we told him we go to the movies, he looked at us like we had birds flying out of our ears. We told him that some of our deepest discussions took place after we had seen a good film. He was amazed that we thought there was ANYTHING worth seeing, or WORTH WASTING OUR TIME ON. That's an interesting phrase. Just what IS worth wasting your time on?
Last week, I told your dad that I was going to go see The Holiday, the Jude Law/Kate Winslet piece that I had wanted to see during the holidays. He decided to go with me and as we sat in the small theater, it filled up with groups of women, five here, ten there, all coming into the theater in gaggles, giggling and gaggling. We realized at that point that your dad was the only male in the room of around 45 women. I was the envy of every woman there. He never looked so heroic. Just before the film started, we noticed that another man had courageously taken a seat. It was a light, pleasant romantic comedy, just right for balancing out our previous film, Babel, and the next one we saw - Children of Men. A light refreshing filling for a heavy cinema sandwich. I enjoy your blog! Great idea! And I actually can remember my password now, since I had to create a new one for the fifth time!! (aargh)
Love, Ma
I go by myself too and LOVE it, however, I would love to meet you at the theater some time.