L.A. Times Culture Columnist & Critic Mary McNamara just published a terrific personal essay on returning to moviegoing headlined “Vaccinated and Back at the Movies, Together.” Here’s a highlight but the whole thing is worth reading:
“Then the lights went down and for two hours it was as if the pandemic did not exist, had never occurred. “Together Together” was sweet and smart and funny enough, but even if I had hated it, I was at the movies. A haven from heartbreak, anxiety and bad weather of all sorts, a place of necessary solitude, romantic anticipation, friendly bonding and familial celebration.
“After a year of crowded isolation, there were no interruptions from kids needing something; no ambient distraction courtesy of nearby leaf-blower or power tool; no hitting pause to check and see if the meatloaf was done yet. Having committed to it, the experience was literally out of my hands. I couldn’t use this time to also sort laundry or check my emails or do the dishes; couldn’t carry this screen from one room to another to see what the dogs were barking at this time or balance it on the counter while I did the dishes.
“I was at the movies and for two glorious hours all I could do was watch and listen and be.”
Moviegoing is unlike anything else and it’s worth preserving, especially moviegoing at locally owned and operated theaters. L.A. cinephiles, we humbly ask for your support.
