Independent theaters seem to be a dying breed. There was a time when the small, independent movie theater was a popular choice for seeing a film. Where I grew up there were a handful of smaller theaters, some which perserved the original aesthetic of the decades old design. But more and more it seems that the big chain theaters are popping up all over and the small independent theaters are disappearing.

In the city near which I live, there is a terrific independent theater. The kind of theater that plays movies you could not possibly find at a typical chain theater,  serves hot tea and vegan cookies, and where admission is a couple of dollars cheaper than the other local theaters. They have several theaters, much like the chain theaters, but each theater is considerably smaller and there are no reclining seats, etc. But what this theater might lack in expensive updates it makes up for in the amazing variety of films it shows. The last film I saw at this theater was The Last Mistress - a provocative French film with subtitles. This theater is the only one anywhere near me that would play a film like this. It also plays some more “mainstream” films like Mama Mia, I assume to appeal to a wider audience.

May I suggest that the next time you want to go see a film you do a simple google search for independent theaters in your area. Supporting local businesses benefits the entire community and you may be surprised at how much more you enjoy seeing a film in a less crowded, less modern facility. Case in point: The new chain movie theater not far from my house now has several flat screen TVs above the consession stand playing ads as you are trying to order your snacks. I find this distracting and annoying - it certainly does not make me buy an extra box of twizzlers, it only makes me want to retreat to my comfortable independent theater!

Add to del.icio.us!