Capturing the Essence of a Cinema Legend

Read Time:4 Minute, 2 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Scala!!! or The Incredibly Strange Rise and Fall of the World's Wildest Cinema and How It Influenced a Mixed-up Generation of Weirdos and Misfits
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023, 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Jane Giles, Ali Catterall
Where To Watch: opening theatrically in Los Angeles & New York beginning July 18, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Stephen Woolley's daring cinema initiative in London in 1979 sparked an era of eclectic and unforgettable movie-going experiences spanning the next decade and a half. SCALA!!! OR THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE RISE AND FALL OF THE WORLD'S WILDEST CINEMA AND HOW IT INFLUENCED A MIXED-UP GENERATION OF WEIRDOS AND MISFITS recounts the evolution of this landmark venue from a haven of cultural diversity to a celebrated hub for everything from LGBTQIA+ narratives to horror masterpieces and everything in between. This film captures a period in film and live music that will forever go down in history as one of the most explorative times in personal exploration and art.

In SCALA!!!, the directors blend a well-documented mix of interviews, archival footage, and engaging film clips to bring the spirit of the iconic venue to life. This documentary doesn't just capture the essence of the venue; it rekindles the vibrant atmosphere and pioneering spirit that made it a cornerstone for film enthusiasts. It's a poignant reminder of the communal cinema experience that modern theaters often fail to replicate.

Jane Giles, a former programmer and historian at the venue, co-directs with a personal and insightful touch. Her deep roots in the cinema's history help illuminate the diverse programming that made this place a beacon for cinephiles during a pre-home video era. From avant-garde art films to gritty exploitation flicks, the venue was a sanctuary for the unorthodox. It maintained its ground even during the "Video Nasties" era, which posed significant screening challenges.

While SCALA!!! delves into cinema's groundbreaking influence, it also does not shy away from its more controversial aspects, such as the notorious escapades within its restrooms (and everywhere else in the building, for that matter. The phrase “sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll” was more of a mantra than just a saying for those in attendance. The film reflects on the positives and negatives of this lively and incredibly vibrant subculture that called the building next to King’s Cross railway station a home away from home.

The documentary is rich with interviews from notable yet often overlooked figures who frequented the cinema, enriching the narrative with personal anecdotes and rare insights. Personal recollections from industry figures, filmmakers, patrons, and employees highlight the electrifying and transformative experiences of the venue's legendary film festivals and all-night Shock Around The Clock screenings.

Moreover, SCALA!!! shines a spotlight on unforgettable musical performances by icons like Lou Reed and Iggy & The Stooges, integrating these legendary moments with vivid stories and striking images that capture the essence of those times. Despite its eventual closure due to mounting legal challenges and the advent of home video technology, the documentary portrays the cinema as an enduring symbol of freedom and cultural engagement, with a future that, while mainly focusing on live music instead of film, still keeps the icon alive.

The film transcends mere nostalgia to underscore the lasting impact of such venues on the world of artistic expression and community cohesion. SCALA!!! is an evocative celebration of cinema’s power to challenge, entertain, and inspire. It’s essential viewing for anyone who values the eclectic and the extraordinary in film, offering a powerful testament to how a single creative space can influence a generation and redefine a cultural landscape.

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[photo courtesy of SEVERIN FILMS]

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