Your
Belmont
Memories
Spoons
"I had seen the film The Disaster Artist at the Belmont and enjoyed it. Typical of the majority of films I went to see at the Belmont the audience was small. So when the opportunity arose to see the film that inspired The Disaster Artist and there were only a limited number of screenings I felt I had to go and see it. I usually aimed to arrive 20 minutes after the official start time so as to avoid the adverts. This has rarely been a problem.
On this occasion I was a little bit earlier than this and was stunned to see people queuing up outside. "What is going on?", I am thinking. "Why are so many people interested in a film of limited appeal?" I get to the ticket desk and I am lucky to get one of the last remaining seats in the front row of the large Screen 1. I prefer to sit near the back so as not to strain my neck and go swivel-eyed trying to take in a large screen close up. I was invited to take some plastic cutlery on the counter. "What is this for I asked?". "It is part of the film." was the reply with an enigmatic smile.
Sure enough Screen 1 was packed out. The film starts and a little way in the people behind me shout "Spoons" and I am showered in plastic cutlery . This happened at key points during the film. Also the audience shouted out phrases at certain repeated phrases or camera shots. The audience clearly knew this obscure film very well. Never in my 50 years of cinema going have I encountered such an immersive experience. Well done to the Belmont.
The film, in case you want to look out for it, is "The Room" by Tommy Wiseau. A film that has to be seen in a cinema.
Bruce Taylor
Share Your Memory
Spoons
"I had seen the film The Disaster Artist at the Belmont and enjoyed it. Typical of the majority of films I went to see at the Belmont the audience was small. So when the opportunity arose to see the film that inspired The Disaster Artist and there were only a limited number of screenings I felt I had to go and see it. I usually aimed to arrive 20 minutes after the official start time so as to avoid the adverts. This has rarely been a problem.
On this occasion I was a little bit earlier than this and was stunned to see people queuing up outside. "What is going on?", I am thinking. "Why are so many people interested in a film of limited appeal?" I get to the ticket desk and I am lucky to get one of the last remaining seats in the front row of the large Screen 1. I prefer to sit near the back so as not to strain my neck and go swivel-eyed trying to take in a large screen close up. I was invited to take some plastic cutlery on the counter. "What is this for I asked?". "It is part of the film." was the reply with an enigmatic smile.
Sure enough Screen 1 was packed out. The film starts and a little way in the people behind me shout "Spoons" and I am showered in plastic cutlery . This happened at key points during the film. Also the audience shouted out phrases at certain repeated phrases or camera shots. The audience clearly knew this obscure film very well. Never in my 50 years of cinema going have I encountered such an immersive experience. Well done to the Belmont.
The film, in case you want to look out for it, is "The Room" by Tommy Wiseau. A film that has to be seen in a cinema.
Bruce Taylor
First Date
"The Belmont will always have a special place in our hearts as the location of our very first date, a screening of Chocolat in March 2001. That was the first of many, many movies together and a love of film that we've then passed on to our 2 children. Although parenthood and a move out of the city took us away from the Belmont for many years, it was a thrill to return (with our teenage children) as part of the 2024 Doors Open Day weekend and see the exciting plans for the future."
Andrew & Nicola Cameron
Kino
"Loved the relaxed kino bar sessions with comfy chairs. I revisited a whole lot of 80s classics there. Brilliant times, I hope they come back!"
Sarah
Born To Be Blue
The Belmont Cinema has been a dearly beloved space to see great film for myself and my father, particularly when I was growing up in the city. It was a frequent pastime for us - one film that comes to mind would be their screening of Robert Budreau's "Born To Be Blue" (a Chet Baker-inspired story). As a musician myself, I am grateful that the cinema was able to play such a movie and bring it to audiences in the local area. Long live the Belmont Cinema!
Daniel Farris
Childrens Saturday morning Club
Loved the Belmont. Both as a volunteer and frequent film goer. My volunteering was helping out with the Saturday morning kids club . Helped with pre-film activities, was lots of fun.
Helen Ferguson