Geek News: London – Film Four Summer Screen 2010
Coming off the back of the demi music festival, the simply divine setting of London’s Somerset House once again sees its magical courtyard made over into a stunning open-air arena.
This time, the stage replaced by a cinema screen.
A really, really big cinema screen.
Returning for its sixth year, the Film4 Summer Screen takes residency in the Thames flanked venue, offering ten nights of delectable movie goodness, sure to please every kind of film aficionado.
Running from the 30th July, this years’ lineup ranges from bloody violence, to slapstick puppies, to spy drama to vampires:
- Kill Bill Vol. 1/Enter the Dragon – Friday 30th July
- Team America/A Town Called Panic – Saturday 31st July
- Manhattan – Sunday 1st August
- Goldfinger – Monday 2nd August
- Black Narcissus – Tuesday 3rd August
- Paths of Glory – Wednesday 4th August
- Cabaret – Thursday 5th August
- Mulholland Drive – Friday 6th August
- Let the Right One In/The Lost Boys – Saturday 7th August
- Master and Commander – Sunday 8th August
Offering a unique take on the open-air experience, movie-goers are encouraged to set up camp in the often (if not hopeful) sun-soaked courtyard, in a bring-your-own style picnic. Mats, rugs and cushions are – believe me – absolutely necessary as sitting on the historic cobbles for more than an hour can leave your bum feeling more than a little bruised, but it’s all worth it to soak up the incredible atmosphere.
Cushions and the like are available on site should you not wish to cart them with you too and from the venue. Various food and drink are also on sale from within the courtyard in special tents at the back near the entrance. Continuing with the urban-picnic vibe, you can bring your own food and drink in, but word of warning – if it’s in a glass jar, you won’t be taking it in.
I know, I know – it’s health and safety gone mad, but accidents do happen and considering as you’ll be sitting down… and don’t try to be sneaky and wrap jars up in your blankets as bags will be checked prior to entering the main space.
Oh, and don’t worry, toilets are down front, so if you need to go and feel brave enough to walk in front of hundreds of people – then you’ll find the toilets beneath the courtyard, down an eerily reminiscent flight of stairs that are almost entirely lifted from “The Exorcist”.
My tip – the best spot to plot up is either to the left or right of center, right at the back with the tents behind you. You’ve got no one behind you, and you’ve got the railings should you want a back-rest. Plus, get view.
Doors open at 6:30pm, with music provided by live DJ’s from 7:30pm with most films starting as soon as the sun goes down, at around 9:15pm.
My second tip – bring your iPod, that is if it’s not glued to your being anyway, because, honestly, the music the DJ’s have played in the past haven’t been, how you say, my cup of tea. That’s not to say that they won’t be yours, but its best to be prepared.
However, a first this year, the event is also running a series of “Behind the Screen” talks, special screenings and one-off events to accompany the nights’ choice viewing; giving the audience greater insight into their respective movies and the industry. These events are scheduled to take place at 7pm in a special Screening Room, and cost £5.
Eagled eared music and television geeks will find their ears prick up at the short musical score they play every year right before the films come on. It’s “The Final Fight” piece from “Chosen” – the final episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”.
I won’t lie – the very first time I heard that, a shiver ran up my spine as it conjured all sorts of memories, and I could so see Buffy and the Potentials rushing the courtyard.
Tickets can be booked online through Ticketmaster or through Somerset Houses’ box-office on 0844 847 2461.
-
http://geek-life.com/ Rob
Affiliates
