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Meanwhile, Salem Cinema trudges onward, showing world-class movies from every genre, from just about every country, and for every taste to small crowds, crowds who tend to eschew the refreshment stand (where movie theatres make essentially all their money, the lion's share [read: all] of the ticket sales going to the distributor and the studio).
Worse, Salem Cinema owner Loretta Miles took a gigantic leap of faith just as the Great Recession was really getting rolling, and she went from one to THREE, count 'em, THREE screens for independent, intelligent movies, and she brings an astounding lineup of films to little ol' Salem, whether we deserve to have such an awesome theatre or not.
Right now, the Oscar-winning foreign film, "The Secret in Their Eyes" -- an unforgettable, powerful, and beautiful movie -- is still playing, along with the enchanting "Ondine" (with big-screen beefcake star Colin Farrell doing an astonishingly great performance in a role that Hollywood would never give him). Oh, and she's also got "Cyrus," and "A Solitary Man," and has an giant handful of other great films already lined up and waiting to come in to Salem . . .
. . . where many people will miss them, all the while complaining about how little culture Salem has.
Before coming to Salem, we lived in another capital city of about the same size -- that had NO downtown movie theatre at all, and only megaplex chain monsters in the area at all. That truly sucked. We had to drive about the same distance as from here to Portland to see a great movie on the big screen. It was sad.
And it could happen here. If Salem Cinema can't make a go of it, then it won't disappear -- some chain will grab the spot and start slamming in the same plotless explosion fests and teen T&A screamers as Cinebarre and the Regal screens are showing, and we'll all be the poorer for it.
My just-made Mid-Year resolution is to try and take in a movie each week at Salem Cinema. Please join me. Buy a great cookie or some popcorn. Think you can't afford it? Cancel cable TV and you'll improve your life immeasurably, and you'll have plenty of money (and more time) to support real great movies.
If we don't support Salem's best cultural treasure, expect to see it disappear.
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14 comments:
As a long-time FOSC (Fan of Salem Cinema) I am grateful to you for putting this up, in these stark terms. It's easy for us all to get mired in our own hard times, and neglect to see the consequences playing out all around us.
Count me in to get back to the Movie A Week Club. We'll see you there, or we'll all be sorry!
Well said,Lin and I live in waldport an travel to Salem to shop and eat at restaurant's we miss .
The other thing we do is go to Salem cinema to see a good film.
We would go twice a week if we could!
We love loretta's cookies and the popcorn,will see u soon.
Great posting. Thanks for the reminder. I do come to Salem Cinema about once a month - but we will commit to coming more often. We CANNOT allow Loretta to lose her dream - and we can't allow Salem to lose this wonderful gem!
First in our hearts...Salem Cinema
I, for one, still remember the very first time I listened to Loretta's cheery recording and the first time I walked through the doors to see a movie nearly twenty years ago. It changed my life forever. I began working for her the following fall... and here I am still! Her dream means as much to me and to the family she's created as it does to all of Salem. Thank you for the outpouring of support. And especially to you, John, for putting into words so eloquently what has been tugging at our hearts.
well said. we need to somehow make this work. i cannot wait to see "South of the Border".
Salemites on Twitter are talking about having a Tweet-up sometime in the next seven days. Perhaps it can be a kick off for "A Movie a Week"?
Local Twitterers will be meeting at Salem Cinema this coming Thursday, August 5th at 7 pm and again Tuesay, August 10th. Getting started on our movie a week! Come join us! Movies start at 7:45, but you can socialize and get your snacks beforehand.
We LOVE Salem Cinema. We have not been doing our part. We were weekly regulars PK (pre - kid) and now are grandparents. We will do better !!!
A rested and happy parent/grandparent is a better one. We pledge to be there more often to experience the joy and wonder of your incredible ability to entertain us, make us think and connect to the community.
What a sad day it would be if Salem Cinema should have to close its doors. It has been a part of my life for 20 years or more.
Unfortunately, I had to drop out for a few years because of my husband's illness. Recently, I rediscovered the joy of seeing art quality films at Salem Cinema just in time to experience their new theater on Broadway. I plan to make it a part of my week from now on.
At this point, I can't imagine life without Salem Cinema.
VIVA LA SALEM CINEMA!
As a neighbor of the Salem Cinema, and having "traveled" all the way to the old location in Pringle Park for over a decade, this is a call to action.
The film options on deck are exciting, and we are re-invigorated.
Love ya, Loretta!
I go to Salem Cinema about once a month. They do a good job of catering to the NPR crowd. A lot of times I would like to go more, but can't find anything I would like to see. I believe they are leaving money on the table by not seeking out other niche film audiences. This might be best done through coordination with local groups, as they did for "Mighty Ukulele." Anime night? Classic film noir night? Hong Kong cinema or Korean films? A monthly movie club devoted to broadening people's horizons, with tickets sold by the year?
9/14 anonymous: Thanks for your note -- have you discussed this with Loretta? She is eager to hear ideas for what people want to see ... I know that she can't act on every single suggestion, what with having to market to those who actually come out, but I also know she does keep track of what she's hearing and, like all indy businesses, is very willing to go the extra mile to try and please.
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