Anyone seriously interested in the art and politics of filmmaking should get to Pacific Cinematheque (1131 Howe Street, Downtown, 604-688-3456, www.cinematheque.bc.ca). If, like many of us, you’ve let your alternative-film habit slip, this is the place to renew a rewarding relationship with off beat, controversial, historic, or obscure
domestic and foreign films. Cinematheque listings, in a large-format tabloid paper, are available in most public libraries and community centers. A recent copy discusses, for example, a series of contempor¬ary Slovenian films and another on the “sexual fantasies of leading international directors.”
A popular movie venue — very ‘50s-ish is the aptly named Hollywood Theatre (3123 West Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-738-3211). It reruns the mainstream majors along with some alternative fare. All Monday seats are dirt cheap. Another inexpensive option, leaning more to the alternative and indie scene, is the Ridge Theatre (3131 Arbutus Street, Kitsilano, 604-738-6311). Lineups can run right around the leafy Arbutus Ridge block, so get there early on a weekend night. Among the Ridge’s charms are a snack bar with real alternatives to popcorn dripping with oil, and a glassed-in “crying room” for babies and parents.
Another option is Vancouver East Cinema (2290 Commercial Drive, East Vancouver, 604-251-1313). Half a block north of the SkyTrain terminus at Commercial and Grandview Highway, it’s half the price of downtown theaters showing similar mainstream movies.
Fifth Avenue Cinemas (2110 Burrard Street, Kitsilano, 604-734-7469) is a spiffy five-screen complex that shows new, trendy movies, including major foreign-language films. Or head to Tinseltown (88 West Pender Street, Downtown, 604-806-0799). This multi¬screen cinema is on the top floor of the International Village, a major inner-city mall designed to house high-end fashion boutiques. The mall has had myriad financial and social problems and many of the storefronts are empty, but the Tinseltown complex survives. With large, comfy seats that invite slumping, this is the place to catch a low-priced matinée.
For those seeking Bollywood, there are two Raja Cinemas (639 Commercial Drive, East Vancouver, 604-253-0402; and 3215 Kingsway, East Vancouver, 604-436-1545; both with recorded information in English).
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