In 1989, the first Angelika Theater was opened by film producers Joseph and Angelika Saleh. They went on to open other Angelikas across the country. It was exciting to have a new downtown movie theater devoted to independent films. Over time, the theater became a downtown staple. A few other independent theaters opened and unfortunately closed, but the Angelika has remained.
The screening rooms were certainly of that era. The seats aren’t that big, and there isn’t enough pitch, so I find myself tilting my head to see the film, depending on how tall the person in front of me is. The theater is situated right over the subway, so depending on the hour, you can hear the trains rumble during the movie. I had hoped they would fix the seating during COVID, when nothing was open, but no.
Upstairs, there is an open cafe where you can sit and have a coffee and a sweet before you enter the film. Once the queue begins, about 20 minutes before the film starts, you can take the escalator down to six subterranean theaters and a popcorn stand. It used to be a rush to grab a seat, but now you can reserve one, which changes the game in some ways. The bad news is many people show up after the previews when the lights are down, and I find it insanely rude.
Besides the subway noise, which can be a detractor but is very NYC, the theater has gone downhill. My sister refuses to see a film there. One escalator hasn’t worked in years, and now neither does. I asked about it, and they said they don’t make these escalators anymore, so it is hard to get the parts. Hmm. Perhaps rip it out and put in a new one? Also, the popcorn stand doesn’t take Apple Pay, so if you don’t have cash or a credit card, you are screwed.
We went to see My Mother, My Mother, My Mother this past weekend (I would not recommend this film), and they have added a new feature. Since none of the escalators work, everyone is routed to the stairs, and now 4 security guards stand there and scan you in for our “safety.” We have now come to the point where you can’t go to a movie without security scanning happening at the door? Is it really necessary? I’d like to see the data on that.
The entire experience from not being able to get water or popcorn (no Apple Pay and I only had my phone), to both escalators out of commission (serious eyesore), and the security guards hanging out with their scanners in hand, we both decided to join my sister in the ban of the Angelika. It is unfortunate because films come there that nobody else has for short runs, or even first openings, but the entire experience is awful.
Going to the theater should be a joy, and the Angelika just makes it suck. Theaters are cultural experiences meant to entertain, but all they have done is make the experience joyless for consumers. Sigh.
