Joe Neff wrote:
I split this line of discussion off into another thread because it's really interesting...and one of the constant question about these events. As we've discussed before (here and on the Facebook page), the assembling of the each Marathon requires taking a lot of factors into account. But I'll quote Farva for one of the biggest:
Farva wrote:
I do enjoy them from time to time, but I personally don't think you have to have them for every type of marathon. To each his own.
Ultimately, the Marathons have lasted this long because they strive to cover so much ground. For the most part, the lineups include a diverse slate of films covering many genres, tones, levels of quality, time periods, etc. If these events had only focused on 70's or 80's horror over the years, they wouldn't have survived. Same for if they had only focused on 35mm rarities, or premieres, or newer and well known films, or Tim's Top 10 (sorry Tim...that was too easy.
) Even in years with a clearly defined theme, there's always been an attempt to offer variety within that theme.
We've also discussed in the past (specifically/handily in
this thread) about the ever-increasing complicating factors around trying to make the Marathon more of an event. If we still had the 800 seats at the Drexel North, we'd have a much easier time bringing in more guests. But the theaters that have hosted Marathons since those halcyon days have generally topped out around 300-350 seats. And that makes a big difference. It doesn't rule out guests, but it does make the margin of error much thinner.
In the meantime, we do what we can. We're really the only major Marathons of our kind that invest time in the programs, fliers, contests, trailers, shorts, etc. and all of the other special features that make these happenings more than just a collection of film screenings. And as I've said at the last few Marathons, we really believe that what makes the Marathons tick is the opportunity for so many people from often different backgrounds to come together for one rotation of the planet and to engage in a communal experience. Sometimes that communal experience revolves around an unknown or rare film. But sometimes, that communal experience revolves around a film that most everyone has seen; the screenings of THE EXORCIST and PSYCHO in recent years have received some of the best feedback of anything. After all, if the power of this communal experience (in a society where true communal experiences are becoming more and more rare) wasn't such a draw, we'd all be sitting in an empty theater...or at home.
I guess I am a "noob", having only been to the last two Shock Around the Clock marathons & have purchased a ticket for this year as well. But, I have much respect & do appreciate all of the hard work & devotion it takes into planning them. I love the marathon, the atmosphere, the trailers & all the films.
I was only meaning in reference to Little Art's lineup this year, that just because one venue chooses to do more 80's films (digital projection) & not any rarities, was not necessarily a bad thing. It was not a knock on the SATC or the Drexel in anyway. Just some people might also enjoy other marathons that may choose to or for other reasons unknown, not be able to have rarer flicks. The Little Art no longer has a 35mm projector which may make it more difficult in them finding more rarer films available to them. I look forward to attending many future Drexel & Little Art horror marathons.
I guess I incorrectly worded my feelings in the post mentioned above. I do not mind the rarer, 35mm films at the marathons. I actually prefer 35mm vs digital, if they are able to be shown, but understandably realize the decline of availability & cost. I know some classics & older films are only available on digital now due to the age & deterioration of 35 prints. I only meant for some folks, if for whatever reason, rare films or only 35mm are not shown, is not a "deal-breaker". I will attend whether it is 35mm, digital or any combination of the two. One person stated that they didn't care for that particular lineup because they had all of those films on DVD & there were no rarer films included. That is cool & we all can have different opinions. I didn't mean to upset anyone.
It is a 2 1/2 hr drive to the Drexel & a 2 hr drive to The Little Art but both are well worth it for me. As long as you keep having them, I will keep coming, no matter the lineup! I just wish I had found out about the Columbus marathons much sooner & I would have been coming to a lot more of them in the past.
I know all of the films I posted in the marathon request thread wouldn't be included, just putting in suggestions as others were doing. I don't expect everything I mentioned to happen because everyone is different, has different tastes & you have to appeal to a wide audience.
Keep up the great work Joe & Bruce!