Rather than always visit the big-brand cinemas, consider supporting local indie cinemas. Many towns have one, and they tend to play arthouse and indie films that support local filmmakers. They also work out cheaper.
Another idea is to use the license of a local pub, and have your own indie cinema for the community. Many transition towns do this, so that you get all the benefits of a local cinema, yet still support communities over big multi-nationals. Independent Cinema Office has information, if you wish to set up your own local independent cinema. You can rent films from any genre (including classic black-and-white movies) from British Film Institute. Even if you only have a small space, you can use a simple Smartphone Projector to give all of the allure of a real cinema. You could nominate someone as ‘half-time ‘usher’ to offer drinks and snacks!
Most towns and cities in England are home to ‘big cinema’, owned by just two big corporate companies. One almost went bust a few years ago, saved by huge sales of the latest James Bond release film. But these cinemas still remain very expensive, with over-priced drinks and snacks, and often only showing the latest blockbuster releases, rather than showcasing home-grown talent or interesting world cinema releases. If you’re going to visit the cinema, try an indie one that will more likely show better films!
One of the most successful films in England’s history was Brief Encounter, a film based on Noël Coward’s play about a middle-aged couple who suddenly fall in love in a train station cafe. A sad tale of a love that can never be (they are both married), the leads were played by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard (in real life, she was 5 years older than him). The scenes were filmed at Lancashire’s Carnforth Station (far enough to shut down filming if there were air raids), with the bridge scenes filmed at nearby Langdale (Cumbria).
