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
"When I first moved to Aberdeen, one of the first things I was eager to check out was the Belmont. I come from a small town where cinemas like this would be a dream come true, so I couldn't wait. Last year, I had my first date in Scotland watching Liquorice Pizza on the big screen and it was so lovely and relaxed! I was excited to spend many more hours there with my friends, only to find it was closing its doors a few weeks later."
Libby
Japanese season
“I moved to Aberdeen in September 2021 and I was so excited to find the Belmont and even more to discover that there was a Japanese season! Gutted to find out that was the first and last Japanese season I would see at the Belmont! Independent cinemas might be small but they are mighty! Long live the Belmont!”
Susan Bains
Movies from Other Places
“As an avid viewer of foreign movies, The Belmont was always there with perhaps a gem from Iran, an Almodavar, or a French New Wave season...probably some of the best foreign films I've seen have been in one of those intimate Screen rooms. The Belmont stayed open for a while during Covid, and kept my mate and I sane! Cinema informs, educates and entertains, and is a vital component for cultural awareness and appreciation.”
L.Page
Stepping back in time
“It's not often you get to step back to your childhood but The Belmont Cinema is definitely my TARDIS.
Its re-running of old films is always a highlight for me - especially at Christmas when I see The Muppets Christmas Carol listed.
It's a place to escape to nostalgia and share a love for classic films with other cinemagoers that beats viewing from your sofa.
Thank you for giving me a reason to be a kid again.”
Colin Fraser