The Unyielding Spirit of a Cinema Visionary

Read Time:4 Minute, 19 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Movie Man
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): Matt Finlin
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival; for more information, visit www.themoviemanfilm.com

RAVING REVIEW: Deep within the tranquil woods of northern Ontario, a beacon of cinema history shines brightly, challenging the wave of streaming. THE MOVIE MAN, directed by Matt Finlin, explores the life and dreams of Keith Stata, who has created a movie theater and a sanctuary for cinephiles, as well as the newest entry on my bucket list. This documentary is an expedition into a world where the warmth of the projector’s hum competes with the cold light of streaming and the daunting battle against a pandemic. Can theaters win this battle?

At the core of THE MOVIE MAN lies Highlands Cinemas. Born from Stata's grand vision, this hideaway in the tiny town of Kinmount transcends the average movie-going experience. It doubles as a museum of cinematic treasures and a home for Stata's beloved cats, standing as a testament to community and passion. The journey here is fraught with challenges—health scares, erratic weather, and even the worldwide pandemic—yet Stata's dedication is unwavering, a trait captured with passion by Finlin.

I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but I adored Stata’s journey; the passion for film and the evolving experience of this rustic cinema just made my heart grow. So many theaters have become these soulless megaplexes. While yes, it’s still important to watch movies, regardless of where, there’s something special about walking into a theater with a history!

The narrative expands to capture the sweeping changes within the cinema world, from the creation of films to their distribution and the seismic shifts to streaming. Yet, THE MOVIE MAN is far from just a historical account; it's a call to safeguard the communal essence of movie watching, enriched by a beautiful and evocative score that deepens the film's feel. I’m a physical media collector; I own over 4,500 films (hopefully, this will join the shelves soon,) but I also stream movies; I use streaming as an additional source, not a replacement. At the same time, I go to the theater regularly (and when I say regularly, I mean almost weekly); there is something so different about sitting down in a theater and watching that giant screen, immersing yourself in the experience on screen.

Inspiration for this documentary sparked from Finlin's childhood, transformed by the magic within Highlands Cinemas' walls. This personal touch adds a rich layer to the narrative, showcasing the immense efforts to keep this cultural gem alive and the tight-knit community that supports it. It's a celebration of the relentless spirit exemplified by individuals like Stata, champions of cinema's timeless appeal.

THE MOVIE MAN is a thoughtful examination of traditional theaters' hurdles in today's digital age, urging a reflection on the importance of shared cinematic spaces. It advocates for supporting local theaters and highlights their critical role in fostering a sense of unity and joy among moviegoers.

As it tours festivals, THE MOVIE MAN sends a powerful message about cinema's enduring allure, thanks to the dedication of visionaries like Stata. This documentary resonates with anyone who cherishes the transformative experience of the film, reminding us of the small Ontario town where cinema's heart continues to beat vigorously.

Finlin strikes a perfect balance between heart and engaging storytelling, offering an insightful critique that captures the essence of this unique cinematic journey. The film underscores the pivotal role of storytelling in preserving the rich legacy of cinema while offering a hopeful gaze into its future. Through Finlin's lens, we gain insight into the dedication needed to sustain such a dream, positioning THE MOVIE MAN as an essential narrative for enthusiasts and casual viewers, securing its place in the annals of beloved film history.

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[photo courtesy of DOOR KNOCKER MEDIA]

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