NOTHING could be further from the truth that I was "badmouthing" the Ohio Marathon or it's decision to show FELL. I was doing it as a
public service to the crowd. And, YES, I wish somebody had "pre-tested" MAN in a RECENT marathon setting to warn us. And, if you can't speak openly and
honestly to a group of kindred spirits - who can you to???
Note: I was reviewing MAN's screening on Sunday night, not my foggy memory from 30+ years ago.
And, like I said, I see tons of arthouse movies. I know the terrain very, very well. I also stated that the Boston crowd was pumped up for the movie and we even did an audience participation sing-a-long to 'Space Oddity' to further pump up the crowd and there were tears in folks' eyes. (P.S. And the arthouse scene in Boston is one of the tops in the entire country, so there are many attendees that have better taste than you may believe. Maybe the old fogies you have talked to there don't, but, they don't represent everbody). And, the marginal genre item NEVER LET ME GO did very well with the crowd even though many loudly expressed their opinion beforehand that it shouldn't be shown at all. So, the crowd is capable of defying your alleged 'conservative' slam on the crowd (diverse items such a PRIMER, THE INDEPENDANT, SLEEP DEALER and others have also done well in Boston. 'Wave-Twisters' was an escaped overlong unfocused music video)
That said, good luck. I fully defend recommending it being shown in Boston - and, wish the best for Columbus. Maybe a 'dinner break' isn't a bad time slot. After an hour or so of meandering noodling on the part of Roeg, folks can jump out and have a meal - and STILL have an hour and 20 minutes to do so!
Here is my full review of the Boston thon:
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