Iconic Cinema

[tinhuviel]

There was a time in movie history when an extreme shift occurred, thanks namely to George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. In 1977 Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind were released. This, combined with Star Trek playing in syndication at the same time, triggered the coming of age of Geekdom. A lot of now-middle-aged individuals found a

Comments

[ladyana5]

It's funny you say that. We have a theater here that carters to "Classics," things such as the golden age of theater to grade B horror flicks. I don't think they play much after the 60's for obvious copyright reasons. I really need to visit there more often. It's called the Redford Theater.

As for Sci-Fi/Fantasy, i still say we all gotta kiss George Lucas' ring. If not for him, they'd still be interviewing just the original cast of Star Trek, including guy who played the third Klingon from the left. Spielberg definitely deserves accolades as well, though.

Interestingly enough, I have run into a few "original" sci-fi/fantasy folks who disliked Star Wars; if it wasn't in a book, i.e. H. P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, etc., (or the TOS of Trek),it wasn't worthwhile. Of course, the one person I know like that went on to LOVE the LOTR movies! HA!

[janalyson]

Being a Baby Boomer, I was able to see the first two Star Wars episodes, and Close encounter at the cinema. Also, I believe, my sis, Tallis, took me to see Rocky Horror to the cinema before it was a cult classic. This definitely set the tone of what I want to see at the cinema and what I don't. The cinema is necessary for many movies, IMHO. I even took Jennifer, as a young child, with me to see the first Star Wars.

I actually like fantasy more than SciFi, and need to be nudged to watch some SciFi. I do enjoy them once I watch them.

I guess being weaned on Twightlight Zone, Outer Limits, and Alfred Hitchcock, the baby boomers love the fantasy and supernatural movies, along with SciFi. And crazy twists. And David McCallum, Michael J. Pollard, and Tim Curry.

A cinema would be a lovely idea. Ted Turner had the movie theatre in Atlanta that played only GWTW. I wish we had the money to open a theatre, Angelina.

[falkenna]

Not me with Rocky Horror, I'm afraid, Jan. In those days we were avoiding anything *too* popular, so I didn't see RH till the mid 80s, and didn't read LOTR till I was in my 40s!

Everyone wanted to film LOTR in those days, but the technology just wasn't up to it. So we got animation, but Bakshi didn't have the writers.

But I totally agree about Twilight Zone, Outer Limits and the Alfred Hitchcock show -- it definitely warped our generation, lol! And thus produced Spielberg and Lucas to create for the next generation. (It could be argued that Rod Serling, Gene Roddenberry and Tolkien between them are pretty much responsible for geekdom.)

What might be financially viable, in a big city, would be a one-screen cinema dedicated purely to movies that need a big screen, of whatever era: SW, CETK, LOTR, Last of the Mohicans, Avatar. Some superhero movies, but *not* concentrating on explosions and crashes. (If we don't show some macho movies, it won't be financially viable.)

Rocky Horror

[janalyson]

Good idea! I even saw The Wizard of Oz on the big screen in the 70s, and it seemed different, it was great.

Now, I remember seeing Rocky Horror at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro once. I thought we went together, possibly with Rick? I don't know. I really remember the billboards outside, maybe we just walked by it and something stuck in my memory.

Re: Rocky Horror

[falkenna]

Nope, not me, and Rick was many years before Rocky Horror.

[sapphirescarlet]

YES! I have had such an idea in my head for many years now. It was first prompted by visiting "Raleighwood" while staying with my dad one weekend. They show second-run movies and serve grill-type food at the same time.

It would be so perfect here! You could run Star Trek in order, and/or Star Wars as well. I wanted to have a Pirate Weekend, and show Hair in its entirety. At Raleighwood they played concert footage before the movie, which was more exciting than the movie itself. Almost like being there! Just so MANY opportunities!