| rev:text
| - This review isn't the easiest to write--but I'm going to just try to be honest about both the positive and negatives of the CIA Cinematheque.
Let's start with positives:
No one... let me repeat that: NO ONE has the programming, films or film festivals that this venue boasts. In fact, I find myself wishing there were more open-minded venues like this around the Cleveland area, but that's just not the case. This is a cinema that showcases all forms of art--whether widely accepted in society or not, and I appreciate the heck out of that fact. I've attended screenings ranging from animated horror short-film festivals to traveling amateur porn fests. Yep! (Insert gasp here) Even those. Also, it's cheap, a unique and interesting date night activity and you can usually find free parking.
But there are some negatives:
As much as I appreciate the obscure programming, it does not excuse shoddy equipment for screening films. My last experience there I was actually embarrassed for the Cinematheque--and a little pissed for the filmmakers. When you put so much effort into making art, it has to be pretty annoying to have audio/ visual freezes throughout, like it's being streamed off the internet. I realize this is a college campus and money might be tight, but that kind of problem ruins a film-viewing experience.
On the other hand, we were informed during my last visit that the Cinematheque is getting a new home this summer--and I'm hoping that also means upgraded equipment. And heck, a theater with awesome acoustics wouldn't hurt either. The current space isn't bad for sound, but who would say "no" to an improvement? The ware-n-tear is also pretty apparent if you look up at the ceilings, so I think this will be a great change.
Also--please note that you have to really try to find out what's playing, as the media in CLE hardly ever covers the Cinematheque's screenings. But it's well worth the effort!
|