The new film “Empire of Light” by Sam Mendes is a love letter to the cinema.
Many of us who live for movies remember the first time we were entranced by the projector’s light and the theater’s darkness, transporting us to another world along with a sea of strangers.
It stars Olivia Colman (“The Crown“), Michael Ward (“The Old Guard“), Colin Firth (“The Staircase“), and Toby Jones (“Finding Neverland“).The modern film experience has changed a lot since the early 1980s, where “Empire of Light” is set, though.
Kids who are used to watching things at home don’t seem to understand how to sit still.
Concessions are expensive, and people bring their own (very often smelly or loud) snacks.
The light from cell phones is distracting.
Streaming services and studio decisions that bring titles to them quickly after a theater release mean many people won’t bother with a trip to the theater at all.
Read full article