For everyone who missed the seats... photo: Joseph Yarmush

That's right. Daniel Langlois closed the beloved repertory cinema in August, citing a lack of funds and competitive programming from other, corporate-owned cinemas in Montreal. In an obviously regretful press release at the time, Langlois highlighted the need for a new cinematic father figure to step in and save the day, not just with a passion for independent film programming, but an injection of cold hard cash.

After a relatively short hiatus, the Cinéma du Parc has found its new dad in the form of Roland Smith, a veteran in the theatrical and distribution sides of the film industry in this city since the '60s. Smith owned several vintage rep houses in Montreal, including the Verdi and the Outremont, and has since worked in video distribution for La Boîte Noire, Vidéotron and others.

In a press conference next week, Smith is expected to reveal the other thing that distinguishes the Parc from other cineplexes in town: the programming itself. Though the first calendar of films remains top secret until Smith speaks publicly, it seems that John Cameron Mitchell's Shortbus will be among the opening films. Shortbus would indeed appear to be tailor-made for a rep audience, as it features graphic, real-life onscreen sex and a storyline that details several New Yorkers' quests for orgasms and emotional intimacy. Still, anyone can book a brand-new title from a small distributor. But what will really set the Parc apart will be their second-runs, showcases and spotlights, in which a series of films from a country, director, actor or other theme are shown. These events are complicated due to the difficulty in obtaining prints and co-ordinating rights and shipment, and are also a testament to a programmer's creativity, knowledge and imagination.

In other good news, don't clean out your wallets, because those old Parc cards will still be honoured by the new regime.

 
 

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The Cinéma du Parc lives!...or the long, strange and unlikely life, death and yes, resurrection of Montreal's premiere (and much beloved) rep cinema     First it was there and it became a beloved institution to film geeks everywhere...and then it almost wasn't. There were dark times--other celebrated rep houses folded but this one endured. Then the glossy cancer that was the new ownership and their unwanted changes to the spirit and programming of the Cinéma du Parc and then finally, as we all feared but deep down in our hearts expected, came the announcement, the death knell if you will, that this much needed and necessary cultural beacon was folding for good. A more bitter pill you could not ask this city's elite filmgoers to swallow. We. Were. Pissed. Blame was assigned to the city's big monster megaplexes and the hollow joke that is the AMC as well as the locale and digital downloading and DVDs but we all knew better. All of these things may have played a part but the real culprit was the Cinéma du Parc itself--it became a pale echo of itself in its attempt to become something that was never meant to be. Commercial. ~ Well, the marquee went black and we all mourned the Cinéma du Parc's death but did any of us really hold any hopes that it would come back to us again? Sure, we had hope but tradition has shown us Montreal moviegoers that when a theatre shuts down it's pretty much final...except, apparently, in this case. Yup, the Cinéma du Parc is crawling out of its grave just in time for Halloween. How fitting is that?! Roland Smith has single-handedly restored a measure of this city's cultural dignity and proven to one and all that there are some people out there that understand that cinema is more than just big Hollywood releases in gaudy cineplexes or stuffy art houses (ahem*Ex-Centris*ahem), no, cinema is good ol' fun with great classics in an easygoing dark nook that you go to again and again. To me, this is *the* big cinema story of the year. Life is good again.
Pedro Eggers	{60 votes}	October 13th, 2006
Wake Up Call!     There was a public outcry on the atrocity of the closing of Cinema du Parc. What did we do? Bitch and complain when it was already too late. We had our wake-up call so I believe it is now time for us all to put our money where our mouthes are by actually making Cinema du Parc a regular part of our everyday movie-going routine. The parking situation is still a problem but the location is still great and the movie theather is tough to beat when it comes to repertoire flicks. The AMC valiantly tries but the corporate heads are still there to make sure it makes economical sense. Thank you Mr. Smith for bringing the icon back and let's get out there to support our landmark. After all, forewarned is forearmed!
Ronny Pangia	{32 votes}	October 12th, 2006
Cinema du Parc Returns!!     When I first heard news that Cinema du Parc was closing its doors for good a few months ago, I went through the usual reactionary stages: denial "that's impossible," depression "how could this happen to Montreal...I'm staying home," anger "I will never go out to see a movie again," and finally acceptance "whatevs." I can only say now that I am overjoyed to read that my favourite cinema will be up and running again in a mere two weeks! I have been out to the Paramount a couple of times since Parc was closed and I must say that I detest everything about the corporatized cinema experience one is subjected to in that horrible casino-carpeted box: poor film selection, WAY-overpriced snacks, and the decor makes me feel like I just might be losing my mind. Cinema du Parc, on the other hand, is everything that the Paramount is not: great films, affordable prices, and a comfortable, classic movie house decor that doesn't try to overwhelm the senses. Some of my most memorable filmic experiences have come courtesy of this great theatre, and now I can look forward to many more. Thank the angels for the return of Cinema du Parc, and thank you Roland Smith...whoever you are!!
Aaron Dolan	{31 votes}	October 12th, 2006
I Miss the Sticky One from Ste- Catherine     I remember seeing Lord Love a Duck, The Manchurian Candidate, A Night at the Opera and other classics at the old freezing dump at Ste- Catherine. While I had seen a couple at the cold digs at the Parc complex they never felt the same to me. I hope that the new dudes running the new Cinems Du Parc all of the luck in the world. And that the programming gets better than in recent years. I still think that there are a portion of Montrealers who would rather see films on the big screen rather than at home.
Reuven De Souza		April 17th, 2007
A Parc-ing ticket I Gladly Pay     I couldn't count how many unique and memorable films I've seen at the Parc that I could not have been able to see on a big screen anywhere else. Where else would you be able to see an important Montreal classic like "The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz" on a big screen, decades after its original release? I find it hard to believe that this cinema cannot be made profitable. Just look at the number of reactions and responses right here on the Hour site. I'd say, on a good week, maybe 15% of what's on at the glossy chain cinemas is worth the over-price. And, usually anything worth seeing there ends up at the Parc at some point anyway. The only reason I go to the sparkly theme park cinemas is for the rare big screen spectacular epics (like Gladiator or Lord OTR for example), because my friends are going or I won passes for free. Now, if I want to check my brain at the door, why pay $15-$20 (film+goodies,sometimes more with transit) at AMC, when I can spend less than $5 at The Dollar cinema. I was really surprised when Langlois came out with his sob story and decided to shut his beloved cinema down. Yes, I'm sure that it's work running the Parc (any business is work) and I'm sure it's not as profitable as other ventures, but some things are more important than big profits. I think Langlois just got tired and wanted out of the relationship. It's forgivable, especially considering the good work he's done. But what a shame it is when we lose cinemas like these( of which there are fewer and fewer). They are a symbol of what keeps at least a few of us from turning completely into fat, Scream 5 watching, McDonald's swilling, vacuous sheep. In fact Cinema du Parc is where I saw Supersize Me. That's right, I forgot, they show important films there as well. Now if there was only some way we could bring drive-in movie parks downtown. Mr. Langlois, your next venture perhaps?
Oliver Domenchini		November 7th, 2006
Great news for Montreal film lovers     I just came back from a two year stay in New York City where the rep/independent cinema scene is extensive. It was a bitter moment when a friend informed me that Cinema du Parc was no more, just as I was about to return home. So right now, I couldn't be more pleased to hear the news of its resurrection. A cozy, non fussy place to see excellent movies is so necessary (I totally agree with previous comments about the horridness of the big movie complexes). Thank you to Roland Smith for giving us back our Cinema du Parc (and PLEASE don't let anyone name it Cinema Robert Bourassa or something. Can you believe that!).
Devi Banerjee	{3 votes}	October 22nd, 2006
'bout time     This is great news. As someone who passes by the gallery almost everyday, I have felt that there's been a bitter absence in that mall since August. I've been too timid to go in. I haven't been this disappointed or unhappy in a mall since I learned Santa and the easter bunny where in fact just lonely old men trying to make an honest living. Kudos to the Hour for printing following the update.
Gareth Hedges	{8 votes}	October 15th, 2006
Many Film Viewing Options     Many lesser known films now go directly to DVD instead of showing up in movie theatres. Only first run blockbuster movies not art films are still drawing large crowds at local cinemas. While the Cinema du Parc has been closed, patrons have probably discovered the video store on the ground floor of the shopping concourse where the many language options and special features of the wall to wall videos for rent make them very attractive. These movie goers may also be aware of libraries within walking distance where they can borrow free of charge from a wide range of recent and not so recent DVDs. With large screen plasma and LCD monitors for the home, watching films from your favourite sofa can be a very pleasurable experience. The movie business is a very risky affair!
Stephen Talko	{3 votes}	October 15th, 2006
Welcome wanderer     I'm glad to see that Cinema du Parc has returned. I can't wait to see what the new schedule will be like and hope that the new owner carries on the tradition of cheap student prices. Hopefully Cinema du Parc's three month absence will have made people realize just how very important a theatre like this actually is. Sure, AMC has started showing a whole slew of independent/foreign films for a bargain price on the weekend but in the end nothing beats du Parc. Welcome back!
Antoinette Davis	{3 votes}	October 14th, 2006
Roland The Resurrector     Kudos to Smith for putting up the cash and bringing back a staple of the Montreal film scene. When my boys and I saw that Cinema Du Parc had gone under, we were devastated. CDP was the last of its breed; an often overlooked haven where you could watch meaningful films that had legitimate substance. We even considered pooling our resources to lease the space, but argued whether an art house movie theatre could even break even in these times of industry blockbusters muscling out indie flicks and demanding all the attention from the average consumer. There were suggestions of a putting a bowling alley there, or a suave new nightclub (like MTL needs another one of those) but I knew that if, as Smith says, the films and the promotions are right, then Cinema Du Parc would thrive. While bowling in the Metro would have been nice, I am ecstatic that I can return to my old stomping grounds to enjoy a great night out at the movies.
Evan Malach	{4 votes}	October 14th, 2006
Cinema du Parc Fan     I'm so glad that the Cinema du Parc will be reopening soon. It was my favourite place to see movies that I wouldn't be able to see elsewhere. AMC does show some foreign films and some art films, but their prices are steep. I hope Cinema du Parc's new director will showcase particular directors or countries--this will indeed set the cinema apart from most mainstream venues and will be a cinaphile's delight. Showing recent four-star films (hopefully at reduced rates) will also help. I hope the cinema doesn't show too many blockbusters though as I think it should focus on more artistic endeavors. I'd also like to see more indie and oddball gems, maybe some past forgotten film classics. Good luck to Roland Smith! I know I will be checking out what the new Cinema du Parc has to offer.
Julie Miller	{6 votes}	October 14th, 2006
Great... but one thing     I don't want to bitch. I'm thrilled that Du Parc is reopening. And I quite like the ideas of having themes, whether it's actors, places, subjects or whatever. How about Edward Norton? One thing. Would it be possible to replace the screens? They seem so small. Maybe leave a donation bucket for loose change and see how much we can all come up with to help Mr. Roland to upgrade them? Anyways, just a suggestion. See you there!
Christine Théoret	{2 votes}	October 13th, 2006
Montreal breathes normally again     Everyday this summer, on my way to work, I rode my bike in the ghetto and in front of the Cinéma du Parc and felt a pang, a lump or whatever at the thought that it had been closed. I tell myself, it may well be fantastic that we have all these film festivals, but that's just not enough for us Montrealers who love, eat and dream cinema. I haven't been to a movie since the end of the FFM and I didn't feel too sorry for that. Of course, cineplex can play great movies, let's not lie to ourselves or be that shortsighted, but as we all know, there is also the spirit of the cinema that we're looking for, the ambiance, the smell in the air...I don't know. I just couldn't find it anymore. My wallet wasn't complaining, I was. Well anyways, we have a new savior, Roland Smith. I can't wait to be in line again, to sit in the stairs and look at the posters that will send me, and many, on dreamy roads again...
Jonathan Burnham	{3 votes}	October 13th, 2006
Thanks Roland     I am pleased to see a void has been filled for the cinema and it isn't about to become office space or a multiplex. THat someone who has experience in the distribution of films is comforting that is the kind of person who would know about the availability of indie or vintage films. But lets not become lazy or reluctant to show our faces, Montreal doesn't have the choices many other big cities do as far as repertoires for the good older films or for the less successful but innovative indie ones. So instead of complaining about the big guys taking over the little ones, lets show our support by going to Cinema du Parc more often.
Martin Dansky	{3 votes}	October 13th, 2006
Wishing you all the best!     it is definately great that cinema du parc is reopening so soon... i don't think that we fully expected that... what i do hope is that folks out there come out and support it even more now... if the old owner couldn't keep it afloat with a mix of repertory and blockbuster films, i sure hope that mr. smith has figured out some brilliant plan to keep attendence high so that our cinema du parc is around for a good and long time to come...now, go out and watch some movies folks!
Genia Chepurniy	{3 votes}	October 12th, 2006
Cinéma du Parc gets a new lease on life     When Cinéma du Parc closed its doors a few months ago, like many Montrealers I gave up the hope of seeing another rep. theater opening in Montreal. This comes as a nice and welcome news that Cinéma du Parc is getting a new lease of life. I believe the key to its success lies in programming. With the new management I hope repertory cinema in Montreal will get the extra boost it needed. Oh yeah, thanks alot for telling us that the old passes will be honored months after I chucked mine.
Daudi Saidi	{1 vote}	October 12th, 2006
Great news for indie films     That is great news that the Cinema du Parc is making its way back. The city has enough of mega-plexes and still needs some repertoires theaters. No indie films will make it to the Paramount and maybe some can get to the AMC but you could always depend the Cinema du Parc to give the indie films a chance. Still remember that theater being the only place to play "Bubba Ho-Tep" after missing it at the Fantasia festival...Good luck to Roland Smith and welcome back...
Chau Ngoc Levan	{2 votes}	October 12th, 2006
Repertory Returns!     Wow, it's finally back! A theatre who's untimely passing left a considerable void here in the Montreal movie scene. Cinema du Parc is such a comfortable place to plunk yourself down and see some fine, indie, underground and repertory fare that I can hardly contain my excitement over it's resurrection! Now I only wish that I hadn't chucked out my old Parc Movie Passport several months back!
Mark St Pierre	{3 votes}	October 12th, 2006
The other side of the screen     I am seriously relieved and excited by the return of cinema du Parc. When i first heard it was closing it made me feel as if the city was losing something very important that exalted its open minded personality. I didn't really frequent cinema du parc that much, but even for those of us who do enjoy all the blockbuster movies and the 10 story cineplexes, it was always nice to know that when you got fed up with all of it; there was always a nice place to go. Cinema du parc always offered the out of the ordinary movies that focused more on the storyline than on the super expensive special effects. Movies that actually make you think instead of dazzling you with flashy lights. It truly fills me with joy to know that I, once again, have my quiet little cinema du parc for when I really need to take a look at the other side of the screen.
Joaquin Bustillo	{5 votes}	October 12th, 2006
Roland Smith..Welcome Back     This is great news. I am anxious to see the new proramming. Just as a long lost memory: I was going through some books a while ago and was surprised to find an old Verdi stub as a marker in one and boy was that a walk down Memory Lane. Must have been from around 1969. So Roland Smith...I wish you luck. C'mon out and support him.
Sandi Brown	{4 votes}	October 12th, 2006

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