CINE-MAGIC!
In LA, movie screenings are suddenly all about location.
Who needs old-fashioned (or new-fashioned) movie theaters? Red “velvet” seats, faux gilding, and mega screens have been replaced, for summer, with comfy lounge chairs, picnic baskets, and LA’s magentastreaked sunsets. It’s La La Land come to life at a number of outdoor film “happenings” across the city.
At much-adored Cinespia (cinespia.org), the granddaddy of the city’s alternative movie nights, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (RIP Rudolph Valentino, et al.) enters its 16th season hosting sold-out crowds with state-of-the-Industry equipment and local gourmet food vendors. If the 4,000 moviegoers who jostle amidst the headstones every weekend between May to October are too much to handle, opt for the casual-chic of the VIP section, which welcomes A-listers such as Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, Drew Barrymore (it’s the family cemetery, after all), and a host of other primo celebrities. And celebs and mere mortals alike love the always fabulous “live-to-picture” film concerts at the Hollywood Bowl (hollywood bowl.com/calendar), which are some of the largest single gatherings ever to watch popular films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Singin’ in the Rain.
For a more intimate affair, head to the heart of Hollywood at the historic Montalban Theater, where cineastes enjoy classic and contemporary Tinseltown fare under the stars—with a view of the Hollywood sign, no less. The “Soho House” of outdoor screenings, Rooftop Cinema Club (rooftopcinemaclub.com/la) started in Shoreditch, London, in 2011, and has expanded to venues in New York and, now, LA. This year, Tinder-mates— and regular old-school mates!—are in luck. Canoodle on plush loveseats for a romantic date under the stars. Popcorn between kisses.
Popcorn and candy not fancy enough? Bev Hills beckons at Mr. C Beverly Hills Poolside Cinema (mrchotels.com/ happenings) where, for the fourth year, the Italian-chic Cipriani hotel offshoot offers up classic, cult, and family fare poolside at sundown every Tuesday through August. The bonus: Watch Sabrina with a pre-ordered Mr. C Cinema Prix-Fixe menu of gourmet classics from the hotel dining room—including mini bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne. Cheers, Audrey and Humphrey.
For oh-so-cool eastsiders, make a beeline Downtown starting in July to the Ritz-Carlton (ritz carlton.com/en/hotels/california/ los-angeles), which is debuting fan-fave movies every week on its glamorous rooftop. Guests can enjoy a two-course menu at WP24 Summer Supper & a Show, followed by select reserved seats and “concession boxes” filled with Wolfgang Puck’s favorite cinema snacks, including Marcona almonds and homemade potato chips. Wolfgang + Clueless at twilight? It doesn’t get any better.
CANOODLE ON PLUSH LOVESEATS UNDER THE STARS. POPCORN BETWEEN KISSES.