Le Cinema.
Last night I finally went to see Inglorious Bastards--loved it!!! The theatre I went to, UGC on Rambuteau, was so plush and such an enjoyable experience. The have automated systems for credit card holders so you don't have to wait in line--nice--and you receive a student discount which starts today.
At the concession stand you can get your popcorn "Sweet or Salt," I chose salt, (but I will try sweet next time, although it is not kettle corn). And again, no ice in the large soda, but it did come with a colorful straw:)
There are nice, clean, lounge areas and a bar serving beer and mixed drinks. Shucks! I already bought my soda, next time.
I got there early enough to enjoy the lounges which is walled with large framed posters of French and American directors and actors, mostly contemporary.
I am getting the point that the French revere cinema. The walkway to the UGC is titled Rue du Cinema.
People start lining up outside of the numero 10's area, behind the ropes. (The velvet ropes! Not, some sticky snap back, sad excuse for a directional divider.)
I, like the sheep that I am, follow them in this line. A few more minutes pass and two entrances on either side of the theatre open. This is where there is a mad dash. Much like going to miss my spot on the subway I scurry with the mob and make my way to an optimal seat.
Everyone does sit next to everyone though. I sat next to someone which felt odd, because there was someone following me to sit right next to me. I am used to the large gap, or chair between us for personal space like in the US.
But, oh, oh the seats. The seats! So plush! My goodness. The cushions and arm rests are full and thick, covered with a navy faux velvet, type of fabric. They are also numbered with embossed embroidery in yellow-gold thread.
Enjoying my best seat ever! I place my soda in the one cup holder that juts out from the arm rest and look to see the beautiful little lights on the walls of the theatre. Magical!
"Are all the theatres in France this nice?" I ask the guy next to me, "No, this is one of the bests."
The stars on the wall give way to the stars in the previews. Which by the way, still have those annoying commercials.
The film was fantastique! It was the perfect film for my first film in Paris. Equal parts German, French, and English: during the French I struggled; during the German parts I struggled reading the French subtitles; thankfully, the English parts I got;)
I did feel like the loud American with my laughter but I did tone it down a bit. The guy on my left did not even peep!
10.20 euro for the film (without my student discount) and 6.40 for the salt popcorn and soda combo. My most enjoyable 20 euros spent yet. Viva Le Cinema!
