German Immigrant Shapes Hollywood’s Landscape

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Only in Theaters
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Raphael Sbarge
Where To Watch: available July 11, 2023; pre-order now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Roll out the red carpet and prepare for a journey that starts with a deep dive into the cinematic saga of the Laemmle family, the marquee lights illuminating their indelible mark on the film world. Their influence finds its roots in the gritty determination of Carl Laemmle, an immigrant from Germany who helped breathe life into Universal Pictures. Part of the reason Edison's patent rights on filming lost their iron grip, Carl's move from New Jersey to the City of Angels laid the foundation for a legacy that intertwines with the dynamic landscape of filmmaking.

Raphael Sbarge, the creative mind steering this cinematic journey, showcases the prominence of the Laemmle dynasty in shaping independent and arthouse cinema. The Laemmle name, synonymous with the film tapestry of Los Angeles, paints a captivating picture for budding film artists. The narrative unfolds how the next generation of Laemmle kept the spotlight on celebrated global creators like Bergman, Truffaut, and others, etching their names into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A friend familiar with the Lemmle theaters said, referring to the locations he’s visited, “Always loved the vibe, and they are each their own little characters.”

Fast forward to the digital platform era and its daunting challenges to traditional cinema. Amid this seismic shift, amplified by the COVID pandemic, the future of the Laemmle legacy – their prized movie theatres – falls under the spotlight. The docudrama brings us closer to Greg Laemmle, the current heart behind the chain of theaters, and Tish, his wife, and co-pilot. Greg's warmth and unwavering commitment to the silver screen strike a chord with the viewers, although, at times, he struggles with the feeling of being trapped within his own family business and the importance of being challenged with holding it all together.

ONLY IN THEATERS takes a significant plot twist during the pandemic. Traditional theaters dropped their curtains, allowing streaming titans like Netflix, Amazon, and others to squeeze into a world they once looked into from the outside.

A chorus of perspectives from film industry stalwarts like Leonard Maltin and Kenneth Turan and acclaimed directors like Cameron Crowe, Nicole Holofcener, and Allison Anders amplifies the narrative, casting a wide-angle lens on the subject. As the film's reel nears its end, we find Greg Laemmle standing tall amid adversities, hoping that distributors would revert to exclusive theater releases post-pandemic lockdowns. Yet, the shadow of uncertainty looms as Tish points towards their son's preference for streaming films, hinting at a potentially different trajectory. The film captures the resilience of the Laemmle family, owners of the venerable 84-year-old cinema chain in LA, standing their ground and keeping the projectors running despite waning audience numbers.

Their relentless journey, an ode to the spirit of adaptation in a swiftly evolving world, is the centerpiece of ONLY IN THEATERS. Despite the trials, the Laemmle family remains unwavering in their mission to protect and foster the art of cinema. While extolling their voyage, the film is a tribute to all movie lovers, casual viewers, and dedicated buffs alike. The narrative frames a panoramic view of cinema's past, present, and potential future, leaving the audience to ponder the relevance and endurance of traditional movie theaters in this era defined by the digital binge-watch culture.

I also want to add that Laemmle has become one of my bucket list destinations; as I’m nearing my 1,000 written review, I would safely say at least a quarter of the new movies I’ve reviewed premiered at one of the Laemmle locations. That speaks volumes to this chain's passion for preserving cinema and spotlighting artists who may never see their films on the big screen.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]