As LACMA ponders the fate of its film program, The Times asked directors about the museum's pending decision. Their responses ranged from stunned disbelief to passionate indignation. Many shared their memories of the museum's Bing Theater, one of the most venerated screening rooms in the city.
James Gray
("Two Lovers,"
"We Own the Night")
For a while, I was going to the Bing three or four times a month, maybe more. I think I saw every kind of movie there -- "The Connection," "McCabe & Mrs. Miller," "Klute," "Apocalypse Now," "Barry Lyndon," "Cruising." And the place was always packed whenever I went. I remember Walter Murch came once to explain the sound work for "The Conversation" about 10 years ago. It was a magical evening -- a whole new world of navigating the sound of a picture came into focus. Discourse is what maintains interest in the art form. I know that it informed my own work. It's really sad. I don't think it's unexpected but it's the exact opposite of what needs to happen.
--
John Landis
("The Blues Brothers,"
"Animal House")
I grew up in L.A. so I used to go there all the time. I remember seeing a George Cukor retrospective there and I saw a David O. Selznick retro where they showed original nitrate prints. Seeing "King Kong" at LACMA was a life-changing experience for me. The truth is a film needs to be seen on the big screen with an audience. I find it depressing and shocking what the museum is doing and I don't think the current director gives a . . . about film. I'm militant about this. This is L.A. for chrissakes.
--
Roger Corman
("The Little Shop of
Horrors," "Pit and the
Pendulum")
LACMA is dedicated to showing art to the people. The only true art form of modern times is motion pictures. If they do not show the only modern art form, they are not showing art.
--
Allison Anders
("Gas, Food, Lodging,"
"Mi Vida Loca")
One of the movies I saw there was a date I went on about 10 years ago. Someone knew that one of my favorite movies was "A Stolen Life" with Bette Davis. It was a movie that informed my ideas of romantic love and of being an artist and how you are sometimes alone as an artist. I had never seen it on [a large] screen but it had stayed with me all that time. It was an intoxicating experience and the theater was absolutely packed with people coming to see this little-known movie. It was one of the most special events of my life -- the relationship didn't last but at least I have the movie.
