As I type this, it is sixteen degrees Fahrenheit outside (an improvement over the past few days, but a long way from the warm weather I left behind in Florida). Piles of slush line the sidewalks. I’m still exhausted from my first week back at work. Nevertheless, I braved the elements to catch a screening of Hostiles at Sunshine Cinema, because I recently discovered that the beloved theater could be shutting its doors later this month. And while the exact details surrounding its alleged closure remain sketchy (even the employees seem uncertain about what the future might bring), I feel compelled to make the most of whatever time remains.
True to its moniker, Sunshine significantly brightened up my 2017 moviegoing experience. The courteous staff and enthusiastic patrons made every visit an absolute treat. And what cinematic delicacies they offered: My Life as a Zucchini, Your Name, Belladonna of Sadness, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, Suspiria, Loving Vincent… it was a wild, wonderful ride, and like a kid at the Magic Kingdom, I’m devastated to learn that it may soon be coming to an end.
I’ll probably share some thoughts about Scott Cooper’s dark western later on, but today isn’t just about enjoying a film; it’s about celebrating a marvelous venue while I still have the chance. Cheers, Sunshine. I hope reports of your impending demise have been exaggerated, because it would be sad to see the sun set on such an iconic landmark of arthouse cinema.
[Originally written January 6, 2018.]
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