The Big Screen

The thing I've liked most about the State Theatre has little to do with a new venue for the performing arts, either national or local. I'm excited by those things, of course, but they're still trying to find their identity and really get the ball rolling.

What I've enjoyed the most so far is the theater aspect, the screening of old movies. I don't know if everyone feels the same way, or has stopped to think about it in these terms, but seeing classic films with an audience is really a worthwhile experience.

Some might say that it's silly to spend money on a $7 ticket for a movie that's been in syndication on cable for years, or easily available for rental. But watching a movie on a dinky TV set by yourself or with a friend or two is nothing at all.

I used to get jealous whenever I'd talk to friends who lived in big cities who talked about theaters screening older films. Of course it's got appeal: the Star Wars triology was successfully given a new theatrical run around ten years ago, and Disney's brought back their old films.

For example, I've seen Clockwork Orange many times, and even dressed up as the droog leader Alex for Halloween. I couldn't wait to plop down a few bucks for a chance to see it in a theater. Crowd reactions can change how you feel about a movie: you laugh at things you never considered funny, or feel the anticipation waiting to see the crowd's reaction to a big event.

But, of course, like all things local, that effect was diminished by a lack of interest: there were only a few dozen people there. I suppose it's ridiculous to expect a full house for a classic film, but I can't help but think if more people thought about the second chance afforded by a screening like that, I would have been in better company.