Readers’ views on cinema topics

Press, 24 January 1985, Page 21

Readers’ views on cinema topics

Berner

hans petrovic

The variety of subjects touched upon in letters received during the recent Top 10 Films of 1984 survey was truly amazing. As promised, here are a few more excerpts. Lyndon Bowden, of Christchurch, had the following to say about the imminent closing of the Cinerama and about re-re-leases: “Perhaps the most distressing news of the year for Christchurch moviegoers was the planned closure of the old Cinerama in the interests of a new youth centre.

“Let’s face it, the Cinerama is pretty scummy in comparison with, say, the Regent or Midcity, but its closure is distressing because it conclusively means the last of wonderful giantscreen 70mm.

“Even though 70mm is still a continuing trend in overseas cinemas, we haven’t witnessed it in years. The last movie I recall seeing at the Cinerama in 70mm was “The Black Hole,” over four years ago.

“Imagine the impact of movies like “Return of the Jedi,” “Indiana Jones” and “The Right Stuff” in 70mm Dolby stereo. Hopefully, Amalgamated has plans of replacing the Cinerama if it

does close. “On the positive side of things, it was a relief to see fewer re-releases at the city cinemas in 1984. Only nine reissues (excluding Disney re-releases) were screened in comparison to 25 in 1983 (half of which were shown at the Avon). “It was also pleasing to see Amalgmated theatres making an effort to cater for a wider minority audience with the limited release of several ‘arty” films during the spring.

“But, at the same time, I doubt the validity of this move for two reasons.

“First, the moviegoer looking for a bit more depth than your' average “Police Academy”-type audience is more likely to look for his/ her kind of movie playing at the independent Academy cinema (or, on some occasions, the Midcity). “The Academy would have given just as much publicity to these films as Amalgamated did, thus giving them just as much chance of success.

“Second, what did Amalgamated sacrifice in income terms by releasing these non-commercial ventures? Perhaps the general public should have had the opportunity to see a few more “popular” movies — many of which wait a long time

for release.” Sarah Rigby, of Rangiora, makes some interesting points about creating memorable characters in movies: "... I couldn’t care less what happened to E.T. or Luke (Skywalker). “Some people may say it’s very hard to create a character that can be cared about in the space of a twohour movie but this is absolute rubbish. “There are many films that have achieved this, like “The Elephant Man,” “Tess,” “The Last Metro,” “Diva,” “Picote,” “The Boat,” “A Child is Waiting,” and so on. “Many people also seem to have their emotions manipulated, so that when they watch a latex-and-metal creature with big, sad eyes, as in E.T., they don’t realise that they are basically watching a cold, emotionless film. “If they want true emotion, they should go and see “The Elephant Man” — it is a far better movie than “E.T.” could ever be.” Gary J. Fox, of Christchurch, gave us a touching tribute to Francois Truffaut: “I couldn’t possibly let the opportunity pass without paying tribute to one of the truly great directors of this century - Francois Truffaut. “His beautiful films will always speak for themselves, but one scene from his first major film needed no words, and should remain the most haunting moment in any film ever made. “It is, of course, the last shot in “The 400 Blows,” when Antoine, after his long run to the beach, turns to the camera and is frozen — — “As Truffaut used JeanPierre Leaud as his alterego in the Antoine Doinel saga (“Love at Twenty,” “Stolen Kisses,” “Bed and Board”), perhaps that’s the way he would have liked this own last shot to be — completely uncertain of the future, yet with his audience feeling ever hopeful.”

Although 1 had my own reservations about it. “The Big Chill” was voted the fourth-best film for 1984. Perhaps, Natasha Hay, of Christchurch, best sums up my own views of this film:

“’The Big Chill’ was not as good as its precursor, “Return of the Secaucus Seven” (1980) but I did thoroughly enjoy this film. However, it was another “clever” American film with its great music and technical expertise, which thinly veiled the fact that it was essentially shallow. It touched on some good, meaty themes but didn’t have the courage to explore them or come to any conclusions. I felt cheated, although I must admit that it was extremely funny. But the Americans do have difficulty getting depth out of their glossy commercial creations.”

Wendy Browne, of Christchurch, had the following to say about “Carmen”: “Like ‘La Traviata,’ ’Carmen’ was very different and very dramatic. The exciting and tempestuous dancing caught the passionate rhythms of the story vividly; and the presentation of the personal stories linked with the production has still left me wondering whether the finale was real or an act.”

While still on the subject of “Carmen,” Graham Zanker, of Christchurch, made this point:

‘Carmen’ demonstrated conclusively the insensitiv-

ity of Christchurch cinema managers. It was on for one week only, and then withdrawn without warning and consigned to an Orwellian memory hole, never to reappear. Many of our friends have complained about missing it, thought I managed to see it twice. At both screenings, the audience was sizeable. And what of Woody Alien’s ‘Zeling’ in the South Island?” Thanks, Graham, I must point out, however, that the fault does not lie with the Christchurh cinema managers but with the cinema chains’ powers that be in Auckland. There was some talk of “Zelig” being shown at the Westend last year but that film also seems to have disappeared into the “Orwellian memory hole.” Double passes to any Christchurch cinema of their choice have been awarded to the six people quoted today: Lyndon Bowden, Sarah Rigby, Gary J. Fox, Natasha Hay, Wendy Browne and Graham Zanker. Would they please get in touch with me, letting me know where and when they would like to go.

Two of those people quoted last week, Victor Mandell, of Ilam, and Murray Swann, of Christchurch, have yet to communicate with me about their tickets. Of the other three, Philippe Gerbaux, Keith Jacques and Paul Letham, two have chosen to go to the Savoy, and one to the Regent, to see “Ghosbusters” (after the school holidays).