To think there was a time when there was no such thing as the cinema no doubt leaves many a film connoisseur and movie-lover absolutely horror-stricken. To have lived during such a woeful period in human history is unthinkable for those of us who depend on celluloid to provide much-needed fixes of escapism and to give our lives meaning and a sense of purpose. More than just a pastime, for the devotee the cinema is a way of life, a borderline religion, with movie theaters the near-equivalent of places of worship. What a wonderful moment in history to be living in, of motion pictures and shared dreams, and how shameful it would be for us to take such a fantastic gift from the gods for granted.
Such thoughts came to mind as I watched REEL PARADISE, a documentary film that at its core celebrates the silver screen experience and its power to enchant audiences like no other entertainment medium quite like it can. It's set in picturesque Taveuni Island, located in Fiji, and tells the story of a film enthusiast from New York who in 2002 traveled to these parts to help spread the word of the magic of movies, ultimately bringing cinema to these Fijians in a display of true humanitarian spirit.
That filmmaker John Pierson's wife and two kids ended up tagging along with him is a somewhat moot point, despite the excessive amount of screen time given to the accompanying clan.
Upon arrival in the tropical oasis, Pierson, as if heaven-sent, would go onto find and subsequently purchase a modest-sized theater; one, we learn, constructed in 1953, with a seating capacity of nearly 300 -- out of which he chose to show movies, *free of charge*. Yes, you read that correctly. 'Tis what's called 'giving freely.' Say what you will of the guy, but I don't think too many exhibitors are or would ever be as generous as Pierson in the way of general admission. (One can imagine Pierson, in perhaps trying to somewhat circumvent this decision of his during a moment of second thoughts, being tempted to utilize, say, the passing of a collection plate or basket, but no -- when he said free, he meant it.) Now, I thought, if only more or all movie theaters were this Pierson-esque, I personally think the world would be a much happier place, or at the very least more theatergoer-friendly.
Still, not everything for Pierson was sunshine and coconuts during this 'missionary' visit of his to Fiji. For if it wasn't having to contend with periodically incompetent and absentee projectionists, there were other crosses to bear, as well, including his having to cope with two mouthy, condescending dependants back at the familial hut and a local church that took to viewing him (that is, the movies he showed) as a semi-corrupting, if not outright unwholesome, presence within the community.
Although I disagree with the notion that Pierson's expansion efforts in promoting filmdom posed a threat to the morality of an already generally and admirably sex-positive and passive people, I do think that his preference in titles chosen for screening was indiscriminate to a fault. This isn't to say that vacuous actioners and slapstick comedies don't have their place in the cinematic diet, but a steady dose of these to the exclusion of more thoughtful, artful fare cannot be good for the mind. (John Pierson, in reference to the Three Stooges: "I had people asking my kids, what religion are you, where 'Curly' is god?")
Suffice it to say, however, REEL PARADISE isn't for everybody and is an acquired taste. Even if you're a cineaste you may not enjoy the film, as it's rather leisurely paced and focused more on the Pierson household and the lives of the natives than on the converts-seeking movie theater. I, for one, liked the documentary as a whole and found it to be relaxing, in getting to spend time, by way of the screen, in a land seemingly free of hustle-and-bustle, anxiety and stress.
Here are people who don't have much in the way of material goods but who appear joyful and well-adjusted, compared to the average well-to-do Westerner. In bringing the cinema to these laidback islanders, this was like the ideal fusion, a best of both worlds.
Such thoughts came to mind as I watched REEL PARADISE, a documentary film that at its core celebrates the silver screen experience and its power to enchant audiences like no other entertainment medium quite like it can. It's set in picturesque Taveuni Island, located in Fiji, and tells the story of a film enthusiast from New York who in 2002 traveled to these parts to help spread the word of the magic of movies, ultimately bringing cinema to these Fijians in a display of true humanitarian spirit.
That filmmaker John Pierson's wife and two kids ended up tagging along with him is a somewhat moot point, despite the excessive amount of screen time given to the accompanying clan.
Upon arrival in the tropical oasis, Pierson, as if heaven-sent, would go onto find and subsequently purchase a modest-sized theater; one, we learn, constructed in 1953, with a seating capacity of nearly 300 -- out of which he chose to show movies, *free of charge*. Yes, you read that correctly. 'Tis what's called 'giving freely.' Say what you will of the guy, but I don't think too many exhibitors are or would ever be as generous as Pierson in the way of general admission. (One can imagine Pierson, in perhaps trying to somewhat circumvent this decision of his during a moment of second thoughts, being tempted to utilize, say, the passing of a collection plate or basket, but no -- when he said free, he meant it.) Now, I thought, if only more or all movie theaters were this Pierson-esque, I personally think the world would be a much happier place, or at the very least more theatergoer-friendly.
Still, not everything for Pierson was sunshine and coconuts during this 'missionary' visit of his to Fiji. For if it wasn't having to contend with periodically incompetent and absentee projectionists, there were other crosses to bear, as well, including his having to cope with two mouthy, condescending dependants back at the familial hut and a local church that took to viewing him (that is, the movies he showed) as a semi-corrupting, if not outright unwholesome, presence within the community.
Although I disagree with the notion that Pierson's expansion efforts in promoting filmdom posed a threat to the morality of an already generally and admirably sex-positive and passive people, I do think that his preference in titles chosen for screening was indiscriminate to a fault. This isn't to say that vacuous actioners and slapstick comedies don't have their place in the cinematic diet, but a steady dose of these to the exclusion of more thoughtful, artful fare cannot be good for the mind. (John Pierson, in reference to the Three Stooges: "I had people asking my kids, what religion are you, where 'Curly' is god?")
Suffice it to say, however, REEL PARADISE isn't for everybody and is an acquired taste. Even if you're a cineaste you may not enjoy the film, as it's rather leisurely paced and focused more on the Pierson household and the lives of the natives than on the converts-seeking movie theater. I, for one, liked the documentary as a whole and found it to be relaxing, in getting to spend time, by way of the screen, in a land seemingly free of hustle-and-bustle, anxiety and stress.
Here are people who don't have much in the way of material goods but who appear joyful and well-adjusted, compared to the average well-to-do Westerner. In bringing the cinema to these laidback islanders, this was like the ideal fusion, a best of both worlds.