I went to see "Molly's Game" yesterday. About halfway, the sound track went all fuzzy and cracked so my friend and I decided to accept the refund and leave. Please don't tell me how it ends because I intend to go back and see it again soon.
Which reminds me of my great "movie interruptus" story. It was the day after Thanksgiving at a small theater in Detroit. The film was "The English Patient" and the place was packed. Just at the crucial scene of the girl left in the cave, the sound sputtered and died. People started to hiss and boo. The manager asked everyone to be "patient." Some left, some stayed.
Shortly, a man stood and said: "As long as we're waiting, why don't I tell a few jokes?" His wife(?) pulled at him: "Seymour, no one wants to hear your silly jokes!" The audience disagreed and gave him a big cheer.
Years later I got to meet Anthony Minghella. I tried to tell him the story but he was definitely not amused. I should have known better. No matter how many awards you win, you never want your great creation to be disturbed in any way.
ill go with you . i tried to get in but it was sold out
ReplyDeleteThat's why we hired the best projectionist at ArtYard! Right now I came back from the post office to ship 2 films that we will be screening this month. He tests each film several times to avoid any technical issues, he's a perfectionist. Marshall Gitlitz (that's his name) worked for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for 11 years, then moved back to NJ, where he's from. Lucky us! People tend to underestimate the work of projectionists, but they're quiet heroes.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - this reminds me of an unusual movie experience back in the 80's. The Music Box theatre had just opened and my girlfriend and I were there to see their 1st movie, "An Affair to Remember". The projector gave out during the movie, so one of the theatre patrons went out to his car and brought in a projector to finish the movie. While we were waiting for him, one of the Music Box owners entertained us on the theatre organ. I think that is a memory that will remain with me forever.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chuckle, Joan. Your recollection of the guy doing stand-up to fill a void is funny enough. But the Minghella meeting makes it a perfect post. Cheers and happy New Year! Roxane
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