Some people consider the movies an escape from reality, but I know better. The best films are those that suck you in and make you feel real anger, grief, or camaraderie with the characters. Personally relating to on-screen events helps, but isn’t necessary. I can always connect someone I’ve known to characters, however loosely. The most important thing is not being able to tune out. That’s how I know I’ve found a good movie for me.
So what if it’s The Truth About Cats and Dogs on TBS for the seventy-fifth time this weekend? Something is resonating with me, and I think it might be that Janeane Garafolo, like me, is also witty and not as tall and lithe as Uma Thurman. To say the very least.
Like many people, one of my favorite cold day activities is shelling out 13 or so bucks for a seat at a movie theater that’s warm with stale popcorn and strangers. My favorite theater in Times Square is always mobbed with groups large and small. Lone movie-goers don’t dare go to 42nd Street. It’s irritating enough with another person, and downright brutal when solo. Something about the people selling photographs on the sidewalks and the tourists and the gum on the bottom of shoes.
So I go to the movies with a friend. If we don’t have any plans, we usually sneak into another movie after the one we paid for. I study the movie schedule to facilitate this. Don’t think any skulking about or ducking around corners is involved. There’s a deliberate buzz on each floor. People are locating bathrooms, theaters, and concessions. Workers make sure no one gets too rowdy or soils the carpets. Other than that, everything is pretty anonymous. It’s kind of like the city on any given day, except hushed and more forgiving.
I don’t consider it stealing when I sneak into movies. It seems I’m getting my due. In a world where people are hesitant to make eye contact on the subway, it’s a relief to see people who remind me of past, present, and future us — they all remind me of us — and just watch.
Hi there! This is going to sound really stupid, but I am planning a solo trip to the USA in Feb 09, and I would love to go to New York but I am scared to go there alone.
I was wondering if you had any advice for me, since it will be my first time travelling on my own.
I found you on the nybloggers site and loved that we seem to have a lot in common (name, left handedness, some music and movies, roughly the same age etc) so I feel I can trust your opinion
Thanks heaps
Amanda