By Stuart Adelberg
If anyone had told me, two years ago, that our entire world would be turned upside down by a virus, I would have looked at them with more than a hint of skepticism. It sounds a little like the plot of a bad horror movie. Who could believe that a previously unknown illness could shut down cities throughout the world, halt commerce, isolate us from family and friends, overwhelm our healthcare systems, and, most tragically, take millions of lives? But that’s what happened. Fortunately, healthcare professionals and the world’s greatest scientific minds came to our aid with unprecedented heroism and speed, waking us from this nightmare, giving us hope, and finally enabling us to safely begin returning to our most cherished activities. While we feel a sense of gratitude and relief, the impact of this pandemic on every aspect of our lives will not easily be forgotten.
In the midst of a troubling year, many of us sought creative ways to enjoy the things we typically like to do – some, more effectively than others. “Zoom” has become a household word as virtual gatherings replaced meetings, religious ceremonies, and social events. As a movie lover, I know that many people took to the small screen, not only to enjoy the rich array of made for TV fare, but also to view the films that they might otherwise have seen in a theater. Some friends have noted how wonderful this was, and suggest that virtual events might become the norm, while video on demand may replace future trips to the movie theater. I can state unequivocally that this will never suffice for me!
A theater is more than a large living room with lots of seats, it is a gathering space that envelops and engages the audience. A movie house doesn’t simply show you a film, it places you in the center of it, surrounded by sounds as if you’re in the middle of an orchestra, encircled by others sharing in the occasion. Theaters are darkened to eliminate distractions so we can devote 100% of our attention to the experience. A film is not something merely to be seen, it is a medium to be absorbed. I have never forgotten where I am while watching my television, but this often happens to me when experiencing a riveting film in the theater. A quality movie is truly a work of cinematic art, the big screen is the canvas on which it was painted, and the theater is the museum that lends a sense of artistic formality to the work. Going to the theater is an evening out, while a night at home is just . . . a night at home.
So why does this matter? Because right now, I believe that being totally absorbed by a beautiful, meaningful, and enlightening film can be downright therapeutic. The time is right to safely come to the theater and, as the Emcee says in the musical Cabaret, “leave your troubles outside!” Spend a few hours in another time or place, live alongside the characters on the screen, explore the lessons of a documentary, embrace the language and scenery of a foreign film, experience the time when a classic film was released. We can’t and shouldn’t erase the memory of the past year. But getting out and embracing the inspiration that comes from the cinema can help us move forward with optimism and an appreciation for the beauty and interesting experiences that the future is sure to bring. Hope to see you at the Avon!
Old Greenwich resident, Stuart Adelberg, is the Executive Director of the Avon Theatre Film Center, a historic, non-profit, community supported independent cinema in downtown Stamford. Stuart has a long history of involvement and leadership with the region’s non-profit and human service communities.
