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
"My memories of the cinema are not only looking at the latest blockbusters but also of it as an art-house cinema. Showing specialist movies like foreign, independent, brilliant and classic movies to anyone with a strong love of filmmaking and movies."
Christian Bews
Another Round
"This was the first film I’d seen in the Belmont after Lockdown ended (finally!), was so happy to be back in there.
I’d intended to see it on my own but had forgotten my uncle was a huge fan of Mads Mikkelsen (as well as Belmont) and was surprised when I found him and my aunt there, so I sat with them to enjoy the film.
We really loved it and found it quite funny, and despite the subject matter, seeing a bunch of friends go out and have fun over (perhaps one too many) drinks was definitely something I like to think we’d all missed doing. Also compare to Thomas Vinterberg’s other films like Festen and The Hunt (both great movies), this was an easier watch.
I love blockbusters as much as the next person (though I’d rather see them where there’s a bigger screen), but Belmont was always there if you needed a break.
Fingers crossed you’ll be open for business again as soon as possible."
Zander Davidson
Haven
“Visited Aberdeen and my friend showed me the Belmont. I love cinemas but this to me was best ever, close to the Valhalla in Melbourne. When I had the chance of a job here it was the main reason I took it! Sadly it closed a month after I came :( It was as comforting as a living room and the staff as friendly as family. You were so lucky to have it, hopefully we will again.”
Siobhan King
Films I still think about
“I have had so many special experiences at the Belmont, too many to mention. From seeing Amelie several times to the premiere of Nae Pasaran, to more recent amazing films which informed me and made me think, I miss the friendly atmosphere and the kind of films they screened. It is a great loss to Aberdeen and I hope it is reinstated soon. Please make it happen. Thank you.
Lorna Sharp