Going to the movies is one of my favorite activities in the world. There’s nothing like going to see an incredible film with a couple friends and a huge tub of popcorn.
But as much as I would like to go see a movie in the theater every day, that’s not always an option. Especially now, in the movie slump that happens after the summer blockbusters but before awards season, there’s not always a movie worth seeing among the Hollywood mainstays.
Most people put as little effort into seeing a movie as possible. All it takes is finding what was released that week and showing up on time, right? While you can stick to the new releases and blockbusters and have a blast, sometimes you can get much more out of the experience by putting in a little more work.
You’re probably familiar with art house films; they’re the ones that get released at Sundance and often are nominated for several Oscars. The business model for these films is drastically different than for the average movie. They generally don’t have much money behind them, and as a result, it can sometimes be difficult to get a wide release.
But art house films are almost always extremely well-crafted and filled with incredible performances and cinematography. Add it all up, and they’re a ton of fun to see in theaters.
Here’s my suggestion: Next time you want to go see a movie, instead of seeing the first movie that you’ve seen commercials for, do a bit of homework. Look for movies you’ve never heard of. Find something that interests you or that the critics are excited about. You could find a hidden gem that will blow you away.
In Baton Rouge, we have two great theaters for watching movies that are outside the box. The Manship Theatre downtown almost exclusively shows those kinds of movies. It’s a great place to go to see small independent films, and it’s one of the best places for foreign movies in the area. Cinemark in Perkins Rowe generally has all the Hollywood hits, but they’re much more adventurous in their film choices than other theaters. Often, some of the bigger independent or art house films will find their way into its lineup. Cinemark also has a great classic movie series where people can see old standbys on a big screen.
For people who love films, it’s in our best interest to put more effort into seeing lesser-known movies. If small movies start getting higher ticket sales here, more art house producers will begin considering Baton Rouge when deciding where to bring their films. The more options we have to see, the more Baton Rouge films have to offer to the entire community.
Will Kallenborn is a 21-year-old English senior from Metairie, Louisiana.