Last week we spoke about the Wildey, a theatre that usually functions as a venue for performances and events, but this week it's all kino.
In terms of cinema experiences south of Chicago, west of New York, and east of L.A., you're not going to find a much more subdued, sublime, and superb theatre than the Hi-Pointe and her little sister around back, the Backlot. While coverage of the Backlot is limited this week, we had the full run of the Hi-Pointe herself to take a look into what makes her so special. As the oldest single screen (and locally owned) theatre in Saint Louis, the old girl does show her age. She's all the better for it though, offering not only a warm interior but a gorgeous exterior any screen junkie can fall in love with. The film on the docket for the night was Shinichirō Watanabe's Cowboy Bebop The Movie: Knockin' on Heaven's Door, an incredible film that shows off Watanabe's unparalleled directorial capabilities and the skill of the staff over at Sunrise and Studio Bones. Other animated films from Japan are screening this month as well, including Lupin the Third: Castle of Cagliostro and Millennium Actress. QFest is running concurrently, a celebration of LGBTQIA+ film and documentary that was unfortunately missed during this outing.
While we didn't have the time to render our footage of the Hi-Pointe Backlot, heading there is a definite must for any cinephile. It's a cost black box style viewing room, with a sleek industrial entry that speaks to a fine city living grunge-factor, without any actual grunge. It contrasts her older sister, a more refined, elegant and classy engagement, perfect for an evening alone. The experience is simple at either one; it's honest, and it leaves little to want. There isn't 4K, IMAX, or any 3D clutter. There's just you, the screen, and the film. It's all you'll ever need, and exactly what you needed.
