Wow! Even with 68 big pages (up from the usual 32) there was still a problem fitting in everything I had ready to go for this issue. This is the first editorial I’ve written where I had to be wary of my tendency to filibuster!
As CdC #9 came together I realized it contained reviews of a lot of readily accessible movies. This is not the norm for film zines, most of which often strive to dig deep and uncover obscure, oddball flicks. I’m all for that but decided to concentrate on works that can often be discovered after scouring a favorite video store or checking one’s local TV listings.
The biggest reason behind the study of video store gems is one of economics. Buying videos can get pretty pricey but, moreover, going to movies is a real bite. I’ve long been without a stockpile of movie passes and hate to gamble the price of even a matinee ticket on dreck like Wing Commander or 8MM (I felt compelled to pay evening prices on these, anyway). More than the lousy films and inflated prices, though, a reliance on video is due to the entire theater-going experience going to shit.
One readily expects that second-run shows have sticky floors, insufficient sound and poor picture quality. But when I shell out big bucks for a first run show, I expect the popcorn to be warm, surround speakers to be turned on, houselights to be turned off, and limited scratches on the film. Forget THX-certifiable quality, I’m expecting just the bare minimum!
However, video can be a double-edged sword in that even in the finest art houses and state-of-the-art cineplexes around town once can still be met with an overzealous crowd of folks who have gotten used to watching movies in private. I’m often tempted to scream, "This isn’t your goddam living room!!!" at people who are compelled to lackadaisically discuss on-screen action at a normal tone of voice.
Stop the madness.
Back to Issue 9