Friday, 22 August 1997

That's Entertainment



Robert Redford and GCC are starting a chain of theaters for independent film only called Sundance Cinemas. But what's going to happen to the real indie experience?

It's 2 A.M. You arrive at the abandoned hot tub factory. You and your date get out of the car, keeping an eye out for muggers and murderers. The smell of urine wafts through the air. A trail of blood and popcorn leads you to a massive sheet metal door. You knock. A skinny guy in a T-shirt opens the door and welcomes you to "Bob's Place" and asks for your credit card. You sign a blank slip. You've just rented a camera crane. There is no candy counter, just a craft service table full of M&Ms and two day old bagels. You go into "Theater One," but find a 13" TV and two folding chairs. "Uh, we don't have a print yet, just half inch video," says your host. You watch it. When your date stops crying, you leave.

E-ME.