by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
With their two screenings of The Goonies out performing five screenings of Ghost Rider, the #1 film in the country, Midnight Movies at the San Marco Theatre are once again building a buzz. EU speaks with Tim Massett, Manager of the San Marco Theatre, to ask about the current and upcoming Midnight Movies.
EU: Why did you choose the line-up you did for the current Midnight Movies?
TM: There is really no rhyme or reason to the films I program. Sometimes it’s because I know folks are fond of them, sometimes it’s because it’s simply that I enjoy the film and want to see it on the big screen again in 35mm, the way films should be seen, and then, for example, we have AIR GUITAR NATION [due to play the first weekend in May] and BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON [see below] coming up which are two super great titles that won’t hit this market theatrically and it’s the only way I can get them on the screen here in Jacksonville is by programming them at midnight.
EU: Were you surprised that Goonies did as well as it did? Why do you think it did so well?
TM: Um...yeah I was surprised that it could practically sell out two nights and why the others do well but not this well. I have no idea why this did so well....JACKSONVILLE LOVES THE GOONIES.
EU: What made you choose Mulholland Drive? What do you think makes it a great film?
TM: I like it a lot.
EU: Will you be showing any black and whites in the future?
TM: um. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is black and white.
EU: Do you have a favorite film, or does it depend on your mood?
TM: I have many films I enjoy. NIGHT OF THE HUNTER is one my favorites.
EU: Will you be showing any Sci-Fi stuff or having any sci-fi marathons?
TM: Is CONAN THE BARBARIAN considered a sci-fi? If so, then yes. That one is headed to us the first weekend in April.
EU: Have any of the films you wanted to show been hard to find in 35mm?
TM: Sure. Studios dump their prints after the theatrical run. Heck, there are only two prints left of THE BIG LEBOWSKI so finding a print like, say, LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, is really hard, you have to be tapped into the world of the 35mm print collector and the various archives.
EU: Do you take requests or suggestions? Is there a way for the general public to suggest particular films?
TM: Hellz yeah! I am always up for suggestions. You can contact me at tim@sanmarcotheatre.com
EU: Is there anything else people should know about the series?
TM: Well...there are some great titles coming up and one in particular, AIR GUITAR NATION [playing this summer]… is going to be a fun one. [It] covers the national and international air guitar competitions which ends in Finland.
March 23, 24 MIDNIGHT
Because of legal troubles related to ownership rights, the movie has only been available in bootleg form since opening at the Elgin Theater in December of 1970, becoming an underground hit. El Topo seems to come from another dimension - a spaghetti western that goes off the deep end. Once seen who could ever forget the “Master” gunslinger with arms but no legs strapped on another gunslinger with legs but no arms! The sheer otherworldliness of the mountain freaks descending on the town to be blown to smithereens. One viewing of El Topo will result in images being burnt into your brain for the rest of your years - the images are that powerful. A frustrating, nervy, wonder of a film.
March 30, 31 Midnight
After a series of trials and tribulations, a Christlike thief meets a spiritual teacher who introduces him to seven wealthy and powerful individuals, each representing a planet in the solar system. Together they begin a pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain, in order to displace the gods who live there and become immortal.
First weekend in April, Midnight
This early ’80s kitsch cult classic will be shown in all its full screened glory. If you haven’t seen it on TV as the movie of the week, you’ll need to know that it’s all about Arnold Schwarzenegger in a low fantasy setting wearing a loincloth in his prime, while speaking little and wielding broadsword in revenge.
2nd week in April, Midnight
A mockumentary inside look at the villains in slasher movies, answering all the questions never thought to ask. How do the killers keep coming back to life? How do they know just where to hide the gory parts for screaming girls to find? Behind the Mask hilariously answers all those questions and more.
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