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
So Many Memories
"The Belmont was a place where real magic occurred - a coming together of film lovers, of community, to share something special.
I saw films I loved that I'd otherwise never have seen on the big screen in Aberdeen - Beginners, Troll Hunter, Potiche, Iron Sky, to name just a few.
I first witnessed the glorious travesty of The Room and delighted in taking new people every time it screened.
I saw screenings of some of my all-time favourite cult films - Scott Pilgrim vs the World,Muppet Christmas Carol, Die Hard, Batman, and more.
I witnessed some of the most beautiful theatre through NT Live.
I attended talks and presentations and shows in the bar, the screens, everywhere possible.
It was - and can be again - a place for the community to come together."
Eoin Smith
Premiere of No Ladies Please
"As a passion project, I made a short film inspired by the 1973 sit-in protest by the women STUC delegates at the men-only Grill Bar in Aberdeen and in September 2019 was able to show it at the Belmont, thanks to Colin's kind agreement. It was wonderful, and we raised £700 for Grampian Women's Aid. The fact the Belmont started life as the Trades Union hall in 1896 makes it especially relevant. BRING IT BACK, so I can start a short film festival!!"
Fiona-Jane Brown
A very special place
"It almost goes without saying that the Belmont provided me with the opportunity to see a range of fantastic films on the big screen. I recall with special fondness that I was able to see several old classics in this way, some of them on celluloid prints. Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid was a highlight for me, as was 2001: a Space Odyssey. The Star Gate sequence in that latter film really has to be seen in a cinema to be fully appreciated. The Belmont gave us such opportunities."
Barry Robertson
Special times
"Moving to Aberdeen with a love of independent/Arthouse/world cinema to live with a partner who enjoys mainstream movies!
Special solo times walking to the Belmont after work & always enjoying the friendly atmosphere and a pink wine in a plastic cup - pure relaxation watching some amazing and diverse cinema - always a colourful treat which I have missed in the greyness of Aberdeen life. The Belmont is special & the city needs you."
Jane Street