Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

The Westwood Crest

Did anyone see this article in the LA Times about the Westwood Crest?


I LOVE this theatre and I am sad to see that it is having difficulties.  I know that I am an old soul, but I really do prefer the single screen theatre to the megaplex.  For one thing, The Westwood Crest is a beautiful theatre with fantastic art deco design and a long history.  I find that most multiplexes are like glorified boxes that completely lack personality or imagination in their design.  I also hate when I am trying to see a thoughtful drama at a multiplex only to hear giant booms or explosions from the action film playing in the adjacent theatre. 


The problem is that Mr. Bucksbaum has only been able to get films like the poorly reviewed 88 MINUTES or films long after they’ve played at other theatres.  I am sure it is very hard operating a theatre as an independent, instead of being part of a chain.


I have contacted Mr. Bucksbaum and I told him that I will do anything I can to help him get the theatre declared a historic Landmark.  That place is far too beautiful to become an office space, condo or a swap meet.  That just can’t happen.

3 Comments:

1. Stuff like this kills me. I’ve never been to the Crest. I know, I’m awful. I keep saying I will, but it’s kind of out of my way and…well you’ve heard all the excuses.

   I love beautiful, historic, stylishly designed, single screen theaters. They have a little of the pizzaz and magic that is so lacking in the newer theaters even with their comfy chairs and stadium seating.

   Posted by Karie (site owner)  on  05/08  at  08:10 AM

2. I’ve been to The Crest a few times, and the most enjoyable experience was watching The Breakfast Club at midnight a couple of years ago.  It was a cool event as a woman played the guitar and sang before the movie started, amid the neon lit Hollywood backdrop. 

   Midnight shows are getting very popular now with other theaters like The Nuart, The New Beverly and the Fairfax 3 particpating in midnight revivals.  Perhaps The Crest needs to bring back their midnight series and they’ll find a cult following.  Films like Evil Dead 2, Aliens, Tron and Pulp Fiction have always drawn in big crowds at the midnight hour.

   Posted by Karie (site owner)  on  05/08  at  10:49 AM

3. The New Beverly has really been jumping in the last year. It seems like I used to go there and there’d just be a handful of people, but now there are certain nights where it seems like the cool place to be.

   A midnight series would be great for the Crest. Especially that close to the college.

   Posted by Karie (site owner)  on  05/08  at  11:00 AM