The Angelika & God
I’ve been saved by the “Angelika.”
That should be Christ’s job, I suppose. Where I’m from, anyway, church and Jesus Christ (Jesus H. Christ, depending on your mood…) and Sunday socials are a way of life. What would Mamma and all the rest do if I likened (although didn’t equate) a left leaning art-house movie theatre to the confines of our Episcopal church? Think about it… cool air amidst the summer heat (either from the stone walls of the sanctuary or the overactive air-conditioner at the Cineplex), refreshments (waifer & wine or buttered popcorn and a Dr. Pepper), life’s sins and joys distilled into one grand narrative (either the preacher’s sermon or Fellini’s yarn).
I don’t like dwelling on my sins. I’d much prefer to go to the theatre and watch the sins of others up on the big, wide screen. Maybe the Angelika is dank and the ushers are preternaturally grumpy and the subway moans uncomfortably close to the foam wall next to me. I’ll take it. I’ll also take the frayed brown carpet and the occasional mouse. Living up here in the city of chaos and sin, I enjoy watching a “Valentin” or “City of God.” Give me one of Francois Ozon’s scandalous flicks—“Swimming Pool,” “5 X 2”—any day of the week. My mind relaxes, I drop my guard, I escape.
When the weather or a friend or a co-worker turns on me, I turn to the “Angelika.” Two hours within its smelly confines and I’m born again. Oh Lord, have I turned into a Yankee heathen?
February 16th, 2006 at 9:48 am
I really like this. Beautiful, beautiful writing. Also, the Angelika should give you a cut of the profits… now that I’ve read your entry, I really want to check it out! Think I’ll drag my boyfriend down there next time I visit.
February 16th, 2006 at 10:29 am
I’ve never been to the Angelika or to New York for that matter, but I used to work in an art house theatre and I can relate. In a time where chaos seems to seek us out at every turn and crush our spirits into a fine paste, there is something odd and comforting of losing oneself in the dark of a run down cinema with its stained carpets and (sometimes) antiquated decorating motifs.
Your blurb gave me that again, if only for a second and nearly brought a tear to my eye in the process. Thanks.
February 16th, 2006 at 10:47 am
…Although, on principle, I have to take offense to the Yankee heathen comment. I once dated a guy from Alabama who told me I was a “raging Northeastern feminist” because I wasn’t use to all of the southern charm (door holding, car door opening, etc). Yankee heathen? Damn proud of it.
February 16th, 2006 at 10:50 am
I dont think your a heathen. I think missing church every once in a while does people good, because they’re able to explore and experience a different Sunday morning life. Besides, organized religion is becoming more and more of a joke, that it makes most people almost forget the real reason they’re at church. Dont worry about what others may think. Just worry about how close you and God are.
February 16th, 2006 at 11:45 am
Beautiful post! And for those of you who have never visited the Angelika, give it a try during these cold winter months. Perhaps this weekend!
February 16th, 2006 at 11:46 am
real church is where u make it, not an overpriced fancy building…st. pats cathedral comes to mind
February 16th, 2006 at 11:56 am
of course, ms. sarah, i’m joking on the “heathen” part… if i didn’t love you yankees, i wouldn’t live here.
February 16th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
I am hoping ignorance is bliss because I have no idea what the Angelika is? Should I?
Please, do tell…
February 16th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Someone the other day said that they only time they miss living in New York is when they read your blog.
I second that.
February 16th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
The Angelika is a movie theatre on Houston Street that plays “arts house” and other independent movies. There are a few others around town, the best of which is probably the Sunshine (East Village) or the IFC, which opened on 6th Avenue and West 4th in place of a classic old movie theatre (help me, I’ve already forgotten its name).
GO HEATHENS! (no offense taken)
March 25th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
The Angelica…somehow the rumbling of the subway passing by doesn’t seem to ruin either the movies or the experience