Lani Jo Leigh, one of the Clinton Street Theater’s new owners, swung by the Mercury offices yesterday afternoon to drop off a review copy of A Drummer’s Dream, which will be opening at the Clinton next Friday. She was also kind enough to tolerate me while I pestered her with some questions about what’s next for the theater. She was a very sweet woman.
The short version: Expect plenty of movies on 35mm, Blu-ray, and DVD, with a focus on documentaries and independent films. The Clinton’s longstanding Rocky Horror screenings will continue—Leigh noted they’re a cornerstone of the business, and that she’d rather have teenagers watching Rocky Horror than “out getting into trouble.” After “smudging” the theater to get out any “bad mojo,” she’s prepping the Clinton for Filmed by Bike this weekend, and hopes to fix up the theater—which has seen better days—and reassert its role in the community.
Leigh, a filmmaker herself, is showing two of her documentaries this Monday as part of a meet-and-greet for Clinton patrons and neighborhood residents; later that week is another chance for people to check out the theater: Who Knows?, a grab bag of shorts that Leigh says will feature work from local filmmakers Karl Lind and Matt McCormick.
Ever since I moved to Portland a decade ago, the Clinton’s been a wild card in the local movie theater scene—showing stuff other theaters wouldn’t, and boasting an old-school, run-down charm. It’s an uncertain time for movie theaters in general, and particularly for independent movie houses. Where the new Clinton fits into that landscape—as well as Portland’s—probably won’t be something we’ll know for a while yet.
UNLESS THEY DO A TOP-TO-BOTTOM CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE RETRO-FIT, I’M STILL NOT GOING THERE TO WATCH ANYTHING. IN THIS DAY AND AGE, THE MOVIE THEATER IS COMPETING WITH MY COUCH, 1080P BLU-RAYS AND 5.1 SURROUND SOUND. A DISGUSTING POPCORN MACHINE AND BROKEN-ASS THEATER SEATS WILL LOSE THAT FIGHT EVERY TIME.
“Smudging”, that’s nice. Now in addition to crappy seats and the worst bathroom in the world, the place is going to smell like sage.
@1 thanks for the heads up on where I won’t find some jackoff talking in all caps.
WILL THEY STILL HOST THAT HIPSTER COMEDY SHOW FOR FIVE BUCKS? I THINK THAT WAS THE ONLY TIME I HAVE BEEN INSIDE THAT THEATER. THEY WERE FUNNY, THOUGH, AND I WOULD GO AGAIN.
Never mind.
Thanks, Erik, for the kind words. And Graham, I am doing a top-to-bottom cleaning. Painting and repairs will follow as time and money allows. Sorry, cat & beard, the place doesn’t smell like sage. But we’ve added new door handles to the women’s bathroom, and even the men’s can’t qualify as the worst in the world. Let me tell you about one I used in Nicaragua sometime over a beer. Not everyone is going to love us, or even like us. But we do keep our prices low and we offer an experience not available elsewhere in Portland.
I’ve been to the Clinton Street Theater three times since I’ve lived in Portland. Not a whole lot, but I’ve enjoyed myself every time. Though the theater has undoubtedly seen better days I think it’s a great space for community programs like Filmed by Bike. I’m excited to see what happens there and wish the new owners a whole bunch of luck!
Waaahhh! The Clinton is not a perfect chain like theater. Waaahhh! the popcorn machine is vintage… I love the Clinton, not in spite of it’s flaws. The flaws add to the character of that Theater.
@ Graham: Have you had popcorn at the Roseway? It is the best popcorn I have ever had.
Under new ownership, so give it a chance people!
I knew Lani and Roger Leigh in LA, and I gotta tell you they are two of the nicest, sweetest people I’ve ever met. It sounds like they have taken on a very difficult task, and I just pray it will be both fun and prosperous for them!