Old Hollywood, the grand old dame, an era with gilded golden edges,
imbued with an elegance and class that no longer exists. The time glows like the youthful face of
Marilyn Monroe (who, I learned recently, achieved the look by maintaining a
fine coating of facial hair which reflected light making her appear
luminescent).
On a chill winter or autumn afternoon there are few things better than
curling up and watching your favourite film for the hundredth time. I have watched many of them from the comfort
of my couch on my reasonably sized television on such afternoons (and evenings,
and even not so chill days, and often not just limited to winter and autumn…).
But, finally, thanks to Dendy, I’m going to get the chance to see these
films on the big screen. The cinema has
just finished it’s Autumn Allure season classic films, with
the winter season Winter Wonderland to
commence on 4 June.
M and I saw three movies from the first program (M may have seen 4, but
it doesn’t count because this isn’t his blog!).
There is something special about seeing old films on the big screen akin
to meeting an old friend for the first time.
Despite it being the umpteenth time I’ve seen some of these films, on
the big screen it was a completely different experience.
Isla in Casablanca appears more vulnerable, her love for Victor more evident, her longing for redemption from Rick more palpable. Rick on the other seems less smooth, more barbarous but no less magnetic. Like the layers of its characters the movie charms more on the big screen, offering up more secrets, hinting more obviously at motivations, long seeded regrets and resentments. It is, in essence, more beautiful and complex.
