Landmark's First Films

Well, this is interesting.

The times and films are up for Friday, and it is good and bad news in a number of ways, I believe.

To play "Bee Movie," potentially on two screens, says "Hey, tourists and families, after you stop by Harborplace... why not give us your money?" That makes sense on a number of levels and is an example of a film getting a chance to be screened in Baltimore city that otherwise would not be shown.

To play "Blade Runner: The Final Cut" and "Control" says "Hey, Charles theater, watch out. We are coming for you." I can still remember noticing the "Control" poster go up in the lobby of the Charles and then noticing that it had vanished (it can be a fun game to play, keeping track of all the posters the Charles puts up for movies that it does not wind up showing). This also places people like myself, who have been heard to say at parties that they shall never darken the door of this dreaded cineplex, in a serious bind. I desire very greatly to see "Control," and may do so Monday.

Now, to play the quite excellent film "American Gangster" is the most provocative move for a number of reasons. For one, the Senator will be playing this film, so that puts the two houses head to head on Friday night. For another, based on the preview screening that I attended, African-American people want to see "American Gangster." Not to be racist, but one must acknowledge the segregation that still plagues Baltimore. Will the Landmark become a place in which all races and classes of people are welcomed openly not just in legal theory but in reality, or will there be tension and divison? The last time there was a movie theater downtown, such tensions may have contributed to its closure. Has Baltimore "got in on it" enough, or are the old ugly prejudices and feelings still strong? Will Michael Olesker's fears be realized? Certainly, it could be argued that playing "American Gangster" is a move away from such elitism.

Well, having navigated that minefield, I shall move on. A list of all movies viewed in October (with commentary) is up next.