by Mia Sciabica
Over the years, I’ve grown as a cinephile, hence this article. While there are a few television shows I enjoy, I’ve found they’re rarely my cup of tea. What I really love is watching a movie. There’s something so special about sitting down and, within two hours, fully experiencing a new and beautiful story. It’s even more special to me when I have the chance to see a film in a theater – specifically projected from a 35 mm reel.
Most movie theaters have switched to projecting their films digitally using the DCP format instead of 35 mm film. This is for good reason, though it’s still sad to see. Digitally projecting movies is much more cost-effective for a theater. There’s less production involved in using a digital form because you no longer need to order a 60+ pound reel to your theater and take care of it. Big theater chains such as AMC and Regal rarely play older releases, making their need for 35 mm nonexistent.
In my opinion, movies shot on 35 mm are more visually appealing, particularly with older movies. There’s typically a grainy effect, giving the film a more authentic feel. It can make movies feel dreamlike, teleporting you to another era. Lately, I’ve had the opportunity to see more recent releases on 35 mm and have found they’re just as magical. One film in particular is Carol (2015) which is set in the 1950s. Seeing Carol on 35 mm made it feel authentic to the time period in which the movie was set. One of my favorite films I’ve seen in this format is the horror musical Phantom of the Paradise (1974). I found the grain of the reel made it all the more visually enjoyable.
If this sounds intriguing to you, you’re in luck because there are a select few theaters that currently have special showings with 35 mm. Typically, you find them at historic theaters that still have the technology to project the reels. The only theater like this I’ve been able to find in the Chicagoland area is the Music Box Theatre in Wrigleyville. It opened in 1929, and though it seats fewer people than the other theaters in the area, it’s stood the test of time. Currently, the theater shows an average of 300 films a year, from foreign, independent, and cult films, to highly anticipated current releases. It’s become a place that my friends and I love to go, not only because they show interesting niche films often, but it’s also a welcoming place for all movie lovers.
Seeing an older movie at an historic theater on 35 mm is one of my favorite activities. Though it may sound pretentious, I truly feel it’s the best way to watch a film. If you haven’t had the chance to see a movie on 35 mm in recent years, I highly recommend seeking it out!
