I decided to try the local trend of watching independent films at
small, local theaters. What a blast! I visited two theaters: one in Seattle and
one in Tacoma. Both had so many films that I have never heard of but full of
life. I decided to talk about my experience at The Grand Theater in Tacoma, WA.
As I entered the Grand Theater on Fawcett St in Tacoma I couldn’t help
but wonder how they were still in business. It was such a small theater that as
soon as I walked in there’s a small booth for a cashier on the right by the
entrance. The cashier was a nice elderly lady with a volunteer badge and she
rang me up on an old school cash register; I didn’t even think those registers
were still used! I handed her cash and she handed me a ticket; it wasn’t a
regular ticket that showed a movie title and show time--it was one of those raffle
tickets. Interesting. By asking some of the employees there I discovered that this theater is ran by volunteers. They are there to keep the art of indie films alive. Different.
Anyway as I walked into the cinema room I realized this wasn’t going to
be my regular visit to large, popular theaters like Regal or Muvico—this was like an eight row theater where I actually had to sit next people I didn’t know because personal
space didn’t really matter here. That’s ok, I managed and it really wasn’t too
uncomfortable sitting next to a stranger.
I began to watch the film Stoker.
Brilliant.
I have to say that by the end of the film I was in love with this
theater. I really underestimated it and surely did not recognize it’s value. I
say this because as I was leaving the cinema room the people sitting by me
began to have a discussion on the film and invited me to take part in the
conversation. Incredible. These new friends wanted to know my opinion on this
film.
I found it quite interesting and ended up leaving for a bite to eat
afterwards with them. The discussion continued as we ate and I began to think
about how friendly people are here. I come from a city where you can’t easily
meet people and strike up an intelligent conversation with them. Amazing.
Surprisingly living in Tacoma gets better everyday when I actually go
out and give this place a shot. I ended the night with some new movie buddies.
