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Portland... Pull Your Head Out!

You know, I try not to get all preachy and heady in this here rant section... Okay, perhaps that isn't true. Preachy is really all I ever am here, but it’s normally directed at people who I know never read this thing... Until now. I gots me a little beef with you, Portland, and it is time I let you know what I think about your view on art, film, and all things pop culture:

Start having some friggen fun, will ya?!

I spend some time talking with a fellow film freak who just returned from the Quentin Tarantino Film Festival in Austin, TX at the legendary Alamo Drafthouse. I really shouldn't have to explain to you fine readers just how amazing the Alamo Drafthouse is, as most of you also read ‘ol Aint It Cool News and Knowles talks about that place ad infinitum. (Rightly so, as the Alamo is stunning). Your friendly neighborhood Geek has never gone there, and while I've always been interested in attending a screening at the Drafthouse (like during the Monster Squad party) it didn't make my “must do list”. However, after speaking with this person and seeing some first person photos, I will make an effort to attend an event as soon as possible. That did get me thinking though...

Why the hell should I have to leave Portland?!

A few months ago Portland was listed as one of the most film friendly cities in the nation. We have more independent theaters per capita then the majority of cities in this fine Union of ours. We are known as a city of freaks and Geeks. Yet, as far as fun theater events go, this town is pretty damn dull. Sure, we have the Lovecraft Film Festival and the Grindhouse Film Festival (quickly becoming my favorite), but that is about it. Yes, Portland has a full plate of film festivals, but they are so friggen stuffy. I am tired of going to film festival events that require me to leave in tears and/or anger at the end of the credits. Hell, is it too much to ask to have a film festival that is all about having fun, that is all about celebrating the Technicolor goodness that are movies? In Portland, it sure feels that way.

Start having some fun.

Look, I study film. I can keep up with the highest of brows when it comes to discussing the cinema and the various styling of filmmaking. However, I am also a big ‘ol fanboy who wants to have some fun once in a while at the movies. I want to attend a Kung-Fu festival or a Zombie festival, or a Mutant-Atomic-Pulp-Armageddon-A-Go-Go Festival without making a joke about it! However, in most Portland movie circles, you bring up such a concept you get nothing but rolling eyes and clicking sighs as your reply. Ironically, in the next breath these same "cooler than thou art" arse-faces bemoan the fact that the smaller independent theater is dying. That it is being drowned out by the Goliath that is the multiplex. Now, my own opinion on the fate of the multiplex is well known, however, that doesn't mean I think the smaller movie houses can just sit on their hands and show Donnie Darko week after week.

Evolve or die, baby!

Many a small theater owners are lamenting the fact that coffee shops, video stores, bookstores, etc. are starting to have movie nights. Many of these events are free. Makes sense to me, you come in for a little movie viewing event and drop some coin on a couple cups of coffee and a book or two. In fact, I think that is a damn fine idea and if I owned such a venue I would likely start a movie night. People pay to see movies at a theater because they want the cinematic experience. If audiences can get that experience at a laid back coffee house or book store, then it is up to the independent theater to step up and give their customers a reason sit in their seats. Places like the Alamo Drafthouse have turned to theme nights, mini-festivals, and the ever popular movie karaoke! (Something I would love to do). Maybe its time for Portland to take a look at Austin, see how it is done. No, I don't want to see the end of art house theaters or low budgets films finding a home for screenings. However, it would be nice if a Portland theater turned itself into a pop culture destination location. A place where the customers did more then buy a ticket, buy some popcorn, and watch whatever political flavor of the month is sweeping the land.

Too bad Portland won't allow it…... Or, maybe it will and the right theater just hasn't stepped up yet.

Or, maybe places like the Alamo Drafthouse lessen the importance of movies. Maybe Portland theaters are the last bastion of true cinematic art and I am completely wrong.

I doubt it.