Categories: uncategorized
Date: 03 December 2006 19:42:53
Rain,
Most cinemas show Hollywood films, almost exclusively. This is hardly surprising as the film distribution system in the UK is owned by the American studios. All the big chains are chasing the filmgoers buck and therefore show the high demand films, regardless of quality.
Why shouldn't you be able to go to a multiplex to see a independent or foreign film? I mean most have 10-13 screens, surely one could show these. Occasionally a film will get a great advertising campaign or a buzz going and break through but this is an exception. Unless you live in London, where these things get a good showing, you can seriously struggle to see them.
When I wanted to see Downfall last summer I had to wait 6 weeks after its release before I could see it. I had a choice - watch Liverpool in the European Champions League final or the film in a cinema in Nuneaton. It was the only night the film was on. So I thought that the football was going to be unexciting and went to the cinema.
The film was superb, a great way to spend 3 hours. You even forgot that you were reading the subtitles, as the story really gripped you from start to finish. Everyone knows how it would end - well apart from some uneducated people in East Anglia or Kentucky - but it didn't matter.
The football? Well Liverpool came from 3 nil down and won on penalties in extra time. Thankfully I got to hear the penalty shoot out while driving the 30 miles back to where I was staying in Stratford.
There are a few places in the regions, art cinemas, where you can see them, if you're lucky. Otherwise you have to make a note and watch on DVD.
You do get occasional Brit flicks that make it. The thing that people forget about these is that most are now ma, de with US money. Working Title, makers of Bridget Jones. Four Weddings, Notting Hill etc is now owned by a US studio. Harry Potter is another case in point. The Full Monty was paid for by Fox Searchlight.
On TV we usually get the more successful US shows. Thankfully a lot of the dross dies mid-Atlantic. Some never really make the switch - Every Loves Raymond? We also get to send you many of our trash formats - Pop Idol?
I would gladly let the US take back McD's, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Starbucks etc. I remember going to Bordeaux in '98. Beautiful Meditteranean city, old fashioned buildings and quiet streets. Kebab shops abounded, a few French cafes but no sign of an American fastfood place. Then, as I turned a corner, there was the symbol of satanic majesty - the twin arches of heartattacks and obesity.
The only place I've didn't see one was in St Pertersburg (Leningrad) in '93. They had valiantly fought off the invasion of the US corporate world.
I welcome the day when Jesus returns and condemns McD's to hell.