Alright folks, I've been digesting that article that Father Geek published about the state of classic film rental. When I think that most of you will never see ON THE WATERFRONT projected or the fact that most likely I'll never see FOOTLIGHT PARADE on the big screen… well it angers me.
Oh sure, sure we can sit back and talk about the wonders of DVD, heck look up there at the banner for NetFlicks, they have over 1700 titles. Hell, a lot of video stores have 10,000 titles available. With channels like AMC, TCM, etc… well gosh it sure seems we will be able to see films forever. This is NOT how to see films.
This isn't some elitest argument, this is about saving our history and our future. What?!?
Why do I do what I do? Why do I love film? Why have I made film my passion?
Because when I was a kid, there was a theater here in Austin…. Actually three. The TEXAS UNION, THE PARAMOUNT and THE VARSITY. These theaters ran, almost exclusively vintage film. I lived in a world of film. In addition I grew up in a collectors' world, where fans built large collections of 16mm film. I have seen thousands of films projected to an audience. I have seen what has worked on not only myself, but on an extended audience.
Filmmakers like Coppola, Scorsese, Lucas, Spielberg, DePalma, Kubrick, Malick, Linklater, Tarantino, etc etc etc … They saw hundreds upon hundreds, thousands of films with audiences. They watched not only the films, but people watching the films. It's important for future filmmakers to do the same. It's important for film people to see these films together.
I've written a lot of editorials, I like to pontificate, but this is something I have never wanted to write. The concept that the titles that WARNER BROTHERS has control of, not being available for distribution for colleges, film schools, museums, etc… all because it's not profitable… well it's wrong. It's morally wrong. 75 years eh Warners? Sounds like all you care about is the here and now, it certainly shows in this action as well as the current crop of films. Films made for the second, not for tomorrow or for perpetuity.
So what shall we do? We… geeks, fans, film lovers. What can we do? Well let's focus on Warner Brothers. They seem to think that rereleases are not profitable… well, if you feel that way, then sign over thetheatrical rerelease rights to…. Me, to Spielberg, to Scorsese, to Tarantino, to anyone that gives a shit. Create a special department that is made up of a dozen zealots who's passion it is to see vintage film live. Give them a budget of 1/10th of the budget of BATMAN & ROBIN, and let them run. Fire JON PETERS, use his yearly paycheck to finance it.
Well, like that will ever happen.
I tell you what I suggest. If you love film. If you believe that the reason you are working in the film industry is to be a part of the legacy that began 100 years ago. If you have a favorite film, that isn't in a theater today. If you work at Warner Brothers, and you care. Write Terry Semel a letter, and don't go to work till you hear back. I'm not asking the small guys, the one's in the front office, I'm talking about TOM HANKS, who's working on THE GREEN MILE. OLIVER STONE, who's working on ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. SAMUEL L JACKSON and RENNY HARLAN on DEEP BLUE SEA, JIM CARREY on THE INCREDIBLE MR LIMPET…. These types of people are the ones that can really make the difference. The people working on ER and FRIENDS could cause major ripples. These are the people that can make Warners feel the pain that taking these films from schools, museums, the world.
Sure the vintage film program may cost them money, sure they lose a little money…. But you know what? Does it lose half as much money as…. Oh let's say… THE AVENGERS, or however much money SOLDIER will lose?
What these vintage films do create is a desire to SEE films in a THEATER, especially when all we are getting is the crap y'all are dishing out.
Vintage films have to be seen in theaters, they should be preserved for theatrical exhibition. This isn't a fight for me… I have 65 of my favorites on film. I can watch them projected whenever I feel like it.
You should show these films… not because it is profitable, but because it's right. Look at the reaction to the desire for a rerelease of SUPERMAN, look at the success of theaters like the Paramount here in Austin. They packed the seats of a 1200 seat auditorium for vintage flicks, day in and day out. LEARN about the potential. Don't put these idiots that don't remember further back than 1981 in charge of the Vintage Films. Get a motivated, educated individual, and give them the support they need to make a difference.
