In general, it feels like there is a bit of a rush to the gate with quality movies of a certain film- festival-confirmed importance around Charm City this October. Usually, things are delayed and spread out into the new year, and the draws are parceled out in drips and drabs, with DC at least a few weeks ahead of us (I do wonder how the heck we got "Lust, Caution" already, just for example). It is to be noted that the Charles especially has been consistently throwing movies of a certain Oscar sheen at the masses, and I believe they are trying to beat the date of doom, November 2nd, although I have no confirmation of this. The same movies could be playing in your town right now, for all I know.
"Date of doom," you may ask? On November 2nd, the Landmark Harbor East will arrive. This arthouse chain theater will have clearance over the Charles but not the Senator. This makes the Senator gleefully happy right now, to the point where their website links to the Landmark's page. However, the Senator has had to delay a run of the umpteenth cut of "Blade Runner" so that the Landmark can run it digitally first. I am curious to see how chummy the two entities will be as the Landmark contines to flex its corporate muscles and The Senator sees how damned difficult it is to keep independent film distributors happy with only three screens and a "No. 1 movie in America at all times" attitude. I predict the Senator's hopes to get the next "Brokeback Mountain" or "Little Miss Sunshine" may be dashed when they refuse to show this season's "Noi Albinoi" or "United States of Leland."
I imagine that the Charles in a bit of a pickle at the moment with this date, long delayed, now finally arrived. It is not just that there is a Starbucks opening next door, but a Starbucks that will not allow you to sell certain popular types of coffee since they already do. The Charles has not bemoaned its situation like the Senator did during the dust-up over who gets to show "Fahrenheit 9/11," and I respect them for that, but I am nervous about what will happen next. Does the Charles have a strategy, and, if so, what is it?
I do see hope in recent events coordinated by the Maryland Film Festival at the Charles which I believe have been big draws (free 3-D movies and the like). When I stopped by today, the place was being tricked out for a big fundraiser for the Festival with tables, tents, and all the trimmings. It seems as if the MFF and the Charles will remain friendly in the aftermath of the tragic events of November the Second and hopefully this relationship will benefit both. Still, I am curious to see if Landmark will make overtures towards the Festival as it begins to do what all good corporations due upon arriving in town (attempt to decimate all competition). We shall see...
Well, that's it for now. In my next entry I promise to talk about actual movies and what I thought of them. If I could offer two "off the cuff" recommendations it would be to check out the revival of "Stalker" at the Charles. playing Monday, October 29th at seven and Thursday, November 1st at nine. Also, consider "Syndromes and a Century" at the BMA on Thursday, November 1st at eight. If you have the time and temerity, I would say go for one or both. More on both films later.
2 comments:
I've found the Senator's overly friendly attitude toward Landmark a bit suspicious for awhile now. I mean, any theater owner should be pissed that they lost Blade Runner for just a week, but the Senator has to push it all the way back to the end of November. This is a major film event and I doubt many people will wait that long before seeing it. I won't and I'm hardly the biggest scifi geek around. Yet, the Senator doesn't seem, at least publicly, to care that much.
One hopes there is something more going on at the Senator besides schadenfreude directed at the Charles.
It'll be interesting to see what happens. Glad you've decided to start up the film blog!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Never underestimate the power of a vendetta.
Aren't you going to see BR:TFC twice in order to compare the digital presentation with the non-digital presentation?
I agree, though, that the whole Senator/Landmark relationship feels "off". Perhaps, for the Senator, it is a kind of illicit affair. In its current early stage, it feels thrilling and romantic as the Senator gets to avenge the theater that did them wrong. I do fear, however, that the whole thing will end in broken hearts, sob stories (told and re-told at Grand Cru, a new wine bar in Belvedere Square), and lots of yelling on the Internet. One party definitely has more power than the other which is never healthy in a relationship.
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