Notes and ramblings about the inner workings of a small theatre that still believes in the power of film. Ramblings about the place where movies still matter.
April 30, Yes it's true. After 7 years we are raising Senior /kids and Matinee prices .50 cents. It's not alot and may help us get bigger movies.
April 29 wow time flies! We went to LA since I (betsy) last wrote. Showed (our daughter) Molly where she was born. But more apropiate to this blog, we took her to Hollywood! and The Chinese Theatre. She saw the footprints in cement and stars along Hollywood Blvd. She seeked out James Dean's Star. I got an LA Times to see what cool indie movies were being released there. A few I am looking into for The P.A.C. film series are THE VISITOR , YOUNG @ HEART, THE BAND'S VISIT and MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY (which is currently at THE BIJOU until Thursday)-a really fun, funny delightful film. Friday @ the Bijou...Patrick (hunka hunka) Dempsey in MADE OF HONOR.
April 13 Charlie Wilson's War closes the very long Spring Film Series. It's a good one. Please send us what you'd like to see at the Summer series that starts June 22nd. Some contenders are The Band's Visit - The Visitor -Under The Same Moon - The Counterfeiters.
April 4 Keith here to gab about "American Gangster". Finally got a chance to view it off of DVD and I am here to tell you that I am sure I missed on the intensity of the film because I was not in a movie theatre enjoying the highs and lows with dozens of other cinemalovers. The emotions, the drama could only be told to it's highest point in a building where the only thing we are concerned about was Russell Crowe getting Denzel Washington.
Don't get me wrong. It still was a very good picture. It's just that I am sure that it wasn't AS good as seeing it at a movie theatre.
Since you are reading this, I am sure you agree. Spread the word.
Looking forward to Nim's Island today. It's amazing that Jodie Foster has gone from a woman with murderous rage to a PG Family Movie writer! That is talent for you!
April 1; THE BIJOU IS CLOSING. Aprils Fool's!! ...anyway, Persepolis is coming up at the PAC. It looks really interesting, I think. French language film about a girl coming of age in Iran during the Islamic revolution (1979-) ; and it's animated! Don't miss it! **Friday we start the Family Comedy/ Adventure film NIM'S ISLAND w/ Jodie Foster and that girl from Little Miss Sunshine, Abigail Breslin, and Gerard (mr.300)Butler. Should be fun! The Other Boleyn Girl continues through Thursday. Terrific costume period piece! OH! The (melo)drama!!
Mar. 25, Holy crap, there were a LOT of people at The Kite Runner on Monday!! There is a week off at Newport PAC film series. Then we come back with a film the is currently in Shawn Levy's (Oregonian film critic) TOP 5...PERCEPOLIS. And at the BIJOU Friday , yes, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL. But I believe this may be one week only.
March 24, Wow, The Kite Runner was pretty good. I did read the book and the film stayed right with it. BANK JOB might be ending Thursday so git out here to see it. It's a lot of fun! We'll know later in the PM on Monday if it's leaving.
Mar. 18. Hi, Betsy here. The very exciting BANK JOB starts Friday. Directed by Roger Donaldson, the guy who directed The World's Fastest Indian among others! From what I've read about it, it's supposed to be similar to The Italian Job which was a great heist film! I'm sad to say that we were expecting to get The Other Boleyn Girl, but no theatres are coming off it, so there are no prints.
Jan 16 Happy New Year. Add two films to my best of for 2007. "No Country for Old Men" and "Juno".
Two quick remarks. First, those who didn't like "No Country's" end have a point. However, they also need to "watch" the film and be absorbed by it. Not all films need a predictable ending. After all, wasn't this movie talked about in the lobby and in the car more than others? Also, the scene with Javier Bardem and the store clerk is THE BEST scene of 2007 and worth any price of admission.
In regards to "Juno", other than taking the theme of teen pregnancy a little too lightly, wasn't the script heaven? I would have love to have sat next to Juno in high school.
Just found out we will be playing "There Will be Blood". Looks like my top 5 will be complete.
Dec 10 A great time of year for movie fans. Not only because you get to see the studio's "oscar hopeful's" but you get to make your own list of top movies of the year. Let's face it. If you are reading this you probably make a top 10 of your own. So far my list is empty except:
2 films that will be in my top 5: "Waitress" & "Hot Fuzz". Both films kept my attention, were not huge blockbusters events and were very creative. I hope that Andy Griffith gets nominated for best supporting actor for "Waitress". He deserve's it.
Let me know your thoughts at altomare@charter.net .
Nov 16 August Rush is one great movie. A film for the entire family, even grandma. If you want your kids interested in music----see this Film!
Nov 14 Well hell, it's getting rougher out here. Not because of the films. There actually have been quite a few good ones. It is because of the fine movie fans out there that are actually fine and satisfied with seeing a film at home.
What a shame! The aura, feel and atmosphere of a theatre (any theatre, not just the Bijou) make going to a film special. We like to believe that we are the place, "where movies matter". We also know we are not the only one.
Talked to a gentleman yesterday who raved about the theatre because of our service and our introduction of the films. When was the last time he was here? 4-5 years ago. Where does he get his films? At home. How does he watch them? By himself. What a shame.
Here is a thought. Could the companies who build huge multiplex complexes, build them so we don't have to hear the movie to the left, and the right of us? That might help.
The super movie will never be effected by this issue. If you are young, you must see Shrek 8 or Potter 5. However, this audience is clearly your future, will have problems with films unless, we all get together and make each movie, an EVENT!
August 11
A sunny day brings out few people. We are one of the few businesses that root for rain!
August 10
"The Simpson's Movie" became one of the biggest films in the 12 years that my wife and I have owned the BIJOU. It pleased me to no end that there were a large amount of people seeing the film who never saw the show. Still one of the most creative things out there. Even if it is on FOX.
August 3
Saw "THE VALET", a film by the same director of the Dinner Game. Film was not nearly as good as that, but the opening credits were WOW! One of the best opening credit sequences of any film I've seen in awhile.
Mar 23
It has been two months since the last entry so this thing has become less a BLOG and more a forgotten item on the list of things to do. Speaking of things to do, there has been so much that I've barely had a chance to form an opinion on things let alone write one up. But...
Most amazing movie poster I have seen in the last few years is the poster for Premonition starring Sandra Bullock. Some low paid employee at Sony probably created it and she/he should be proud. Captures the feel of the film very well. It's not a great film but a pretty good one. My wife and I have a spent a good time discussing the ending.
Most amazing line I've heard more than 10 times at our theatre. People entering the building more than 10 minutes after the start time of the film have said: "It's started already?" when we've told them the film has already begun. Why did we condition people to think that when they see a film starting at 7:30 they arrive at 7:45 expecting the film not to have begun? When was the last time YOU went to the movies 20 minutes before the start to get a feel of the theatre, look around and escape? Why do we use movies as a time filler rather than a way to be entertained?
Enquiring minds want to know. Email me at altomare@charter.net with your thoughts.
Jan 18
More people are getting "Babel" and I am very happy for that. I am convinced that Brad Pitt has vaulted to a new level of acting talent. A relatively slow story at the start really results in a powerful film that people can appreciate. It is truly amazing the way events link us around the world.
Jan 4
Haven't gotten a chance to thank all on line for all their support over the last year. Especially thankful to those who came to the theatre December 17 to show their support for the BIJOU and to Betsy and myself. I wish everyone could feel the energy that we felt that night! Amazingly, it occurred around the time of the holidays and the film "It's A Wonderful Life".
Many of us don't think that we have got it good (me included). But other than my bank account, I have got it good! And of course we seem to make people happy with the movies we choose. May that continue in 2007 and may more people get it!
Nov 30
Got a chance to see "Bobby" yesterday and was glad to sit and absorb it all. It has been amazing that the majority of people who have seen the film in the theatre have liked it. Only negative comment that I have heard was that there were too many characters.
Possibly. But there were all stars. All people that have been meatier roles in bigger pictures. It was wonderful to see them all interact. Cannot believe some of the reviews. Do these people have no soul? Something was lost on the night in LA when Bobby Kennedy left us. But this picture doesn't tell the Bobby Kennedy story. It tells the story of people who were changed by him, in one way or another.
Good movies are created to move people. Too many times a movie hits in big and the audience doesn't need to respond to it. To me, that is not what art is. A woman who I spoke with didn't want to see "Bobby" because she didn't want to go through that time again. I felt differently about the film.
I think I look at the world a little differently now. It has been a long time that I have felt there was someone out there in the political spectrum who actually thought about me. That doesn't mean I am a democrat or republican. Neither has had candidates in the last few elections that have interested me. I think I forgot that there were people out there who I felt looked out for me.
"Bobby" gave me home that there will be again.
Email your thoughts to altomare@charter.net .
Nov 23
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Our Thanksgiving present to ourselves, (and hopefully to others) is the film "Bobby". Always wanting to play important films with a film that can pay bills. Hoping that "Bobby" can do both.
Personal note to those out there who support thought provoking films. Wherever you go to see them, buy something at the counter. Most theatres like ours make money on the concession area, not the ticket sales. So when you are wondering why movies that spend more money on a script than special effects don't last long, take a look at the concession line. That's why films like "Saw 27" exist.
Nov 22
43 Years ago. JFK was killed in Dallas. I can remember where I was. I was 5 and out on my front lawn when my mind came out to tell me. I did not have a clue who he was and what he meant to the world.
Now, in the post post post Camelot era, I am curious. Is JFK the last political person that the country truly trusted?
Just asking because people more intelligent than me have answers.
Oct 26
It is not a secret for people who know me who i think is the most beautiful actress ever on the silver screen. (Yes we at the Bijou HAVE a silver screen. No other theatre on the coast does.) Grace Kelly in "REAR WINDOW" is my quick answer. But she does have a competitor. Virginia Madsen in SIDEWAYS would be second in my book. Both are also good actresses as well.
Why do I write this? To show you my soft side.
Oct 25
The last day of a pretty good film that no one cared to see. Yes we received requests for the picture. Yes it was directed by a very known very creative guy. Yet pretty much the entire cinemalover world chose to take the week off. As I've said previously, many will discover this film on DVD and talk glowingly about it. I on the other hand will be licking my wounds.
It seems that many folks might think that we want to pull a fast one on them. Play them a bad movie and make a few books. We don't have enough screens to do that. I can think of 30-40 people who could have called the theatre 541-994-8255 and asked us about the picture and liked the film. Don't folks think they can trust us?
Oct 19
Questions that I ponder. Why are people so lazy, they don't use their turn signals when driving? Why do we park on a driveway? How many people will see Michel Gondry's visually astonishing film "The Science of Sleep"? He is the director of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Many times the most creative films like this will be discovered later on when they are out on DVD. What a shame that they weren't seen on a movie screen!
There are films like this owners of theatre's like ours, cross our fingers and hold our breath. Creativity vs. profit! Let's see what happens!
Oct 17
Why is it that we are sucked into thinking
that the only films worth going to are the ones that get the most
advertising? Is it because we don't have time to do the research?
Probably.
It is unbelievably strange to me that people talk with me about a film and
mention that it didn't get great reviews, but can't remember who reviewed
them. Why? I would think these people are also effected by the large
amount of emails touting a great stock by nameless keyboards. "I
bought a few hundred shares because there is great excitement on it".
Who said?
To me and I think to any cinemalover, there are three places to go to explore great film. First is your own research. Pick one or two reviewers that you like and stick to them. Don't be affected by critics who you don't have a good feel for. Remember, they are critics and their job is to write creatively about film every day. A great job you might say, but it is still a job! They must produce. I've read reviews of films that the writer was critical of the picture yet still gave it a B+. I thought B+ was pretty darn good in school and certainly worth my money. There are people for example I know who will go see a picture only if Shawn Levy of the Oregonian hated it. If Joe Morganstern of the Wall Street Journal likes a picture, I am pretty sure I will too. (He loves "Last King of Scotland" I can't wait.).
Secondly, friends give you the best outside opinions because they know you. They might be wrong now and then but I am sure they are more accurate than many critics for your tastes. Heck, go to the movies with your friends. Remember a good night out was dinner and a movie? Bring it back.
Last, I hope people would come to Betsy and me at the theatre. Yes, we would like to make a profit on our films but we wouldn't have your respect if we touted films with think you wouldn't like. We usually have a good knowledge of film that is playing elsewhere. Phone calls at 994-8255 are always welcome.
The only way we can put food on the table and put our child through school is to make sure you give the right films a chance. We want to be part of the process.
September 27
Been awhile but been very busy. Trying to make sure that the last few films get the attention they deserve and aren't ignored. Not as many people have seen "The Illusionist" as I'd have hoped. Paul Giamatti is a revelation in that film. We knew he was good from "Sideways" and "Cinderella Man". We get to see HOW good in this film. You come see Edward Norton, you leave raving about Paul.
"The Illusionist" will probably make my top 5 of the year in film. "United 93" still a leader.
Been trying to expand our offering within the theatre. Many new poster additions to our catalog. We are expanding outside of the film world. Looking back, I know we were short sided on this end.
"Hollywoodland" comes next and I am excited to see the picture. Bit skittish about Ben Affleck as Superman but I hear Diane Lane is superb. I hope people come see the picture. They've been asking. well tomorrow it is here. I hope we see them. By the way, Focus gets an A for their posters on "Hollywoodland". Some of the best designs I've seen in awhile.
Just get back from a 5 day holiday. Took my family to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Great fun.
September 6
There's something about the time after Labor Day. Sure kids know they need to go back to school. All of us know the end of summer has come. But in our world there is a gap between "must see movies", and "if I have the time I'll see them".
All studio's have made this time for the non-blockbusters because they know the kids are thinking about their new teacher, homework and the latest school crush. Movies? Maybe next week.
The marketing department at Warner Bros gets an F with
their poster of "The Wicker Man". Countless people have
mentioned to me that the poster makes them think that the movie is bloody and
violent. I was not expecting to like the film as much as I did. Not
bloody. Creepy is more the word for it. Creepy as in some of
Hitchcock's work. The more I thought about the film, the more I thought
about the film. That is a very good sign in my book.
"United 93" is out right now on DVD. Do yourself a favor and
watch it from a cinemalovers point of view. Very very powerful film.
I know you can get through it. Movie of the year in my book.
Film schedule for our shows at the Newport Performing Arts Center series starting in October is being booked. Check elsewhere on this site for the schedule.
August 17
A quick thought to all the other theatre owners out there. Cut down on your previews, commercials and what have you! I am frankly shocked at the amount of people who have shown up at my theatre 15 minutes late or more and expecting to hear that the movie has yet to start. C'mon!
Now even before I got in the business, I enjoyed the previews (called trailers of course because they used to come after the show. But the amount of info coming before the show is too much!
We play a few previews. We talk to the audience and give them info that they might not know about. But keeping people waiting 15 minutes before a film? Outrageous!
For those of you who are kept waiting that long a time, ask them why? Email me at altomare@charter.net with their response. I'll give free popcorn to the first five who do!
August 14
It is so nice to have the number one film in America for the last two weeks. "Talladega Nights" has taken off and have brought hundreds of people into our theatre to see how we like to present our films. I didn't want to like the picture but I laughed alot.
One thought I am pondering. Are there people who didn't see "Flight 93" because it was "too soon", that went to see "World Trade Center" this weekend? Was Nick Cage and Oliver Stone the reason? I haven't seen "WTC" but I am here to tell you that when you can rent "Flight 93", do it. If you thought "An Inconvenient Truth" was eye opening, "Flight 93" might beat it. The film of the year for me is "Flight 93".
Any ideas on films...anything? Altomare@charter.net
By the way, "An Inconvenient Truth" plays at the PAC this weekend. Al Gore is in it. He will not be there live. I wish.
August 8
Eureka! I've had the time to start this. Many many people who have come into the theatre have talked about the dream they had to run their own movie theatre. "So is it fun?" they ask.
Well yes and no. My wife and I have had many joys and some sad times running the place where movies still matter. But we are still here and we still love what we do.
This Blog (love the word, should be a horror film), is out to present all the little things to give you an idea of what it is like to run our little theatre that is love by thousands.
A perfect week to launch this since we have the #1 Film in America. "Talladega Nights" grossed 47 million nation wide and was double a good weekend for us. It has been great to get new people into the theatre and give them a taste of what a smaller theatre can do. To use, "the show starts on the sidewalk". We want you to be entertained from the moment you entered our building till when you leave.
"Talladega" is a perfect film for showing the differences. The film has a special scene after the credits. We come down, talk to the audience and tell them that. A larger chain usually doesn't have that ability.
Every so often I will give you a taste of what it is like doing what we do. Please don't hesitate to email altomare@charter.net if you have a question. The biggest question we do get is "Why do you book the films that you do?" There are three points to keep in mind 1. What films would we love to play? 2. What films are available for us to play? 3. What films will pay the mortgage? The order of these points are important. If the order was changed in any way, the theatre would change. We wouldn't want that.
Please come visit! We'd love to see you. (By the way, personally Flight 93 was the best film of the year so far. Also the best film people didn't see.)
keith