Movie fans may rejoice to find out about the drastic change that has taken place at Columbus’ Varsity Twin Theater. The Malco-owned, two-screen facility has become an art house movie theater, now showing the best that independent film has to offer. Patrons of the cinema have the opportunity to view films that are quite different from those that are shown at most local multiplexes.
After being in business for little over a year, district manager Gary Dyer responded to requests to change the theater to an art house in August. The requests came in the form of write-ins asking for a movie theater that specialized in independent films.
According to theater manager Tonnie Robinson, new movies cycle onto the Twin’s two screens about every two weeks.
“It depends on how well the movies are doing,” Robinson said.
Though the theater offers a unique experience, attendance has dropped drastically since the switch-over.
Robinson said that attendance at the theater has waned in recent weeks. On a good day the theater used to see from 120 to 150 customers per day.
“Recently it hasn’t been too good,” Robinson said, “Probably because of gas prices.”
Robinson said he is confident that attendance will pick back up, and he believes that people are attracted to the theater because they are looking for something new.
“It’s different, and the movies are getting better,” he added.
Robinson said the Varsity Twin has seen patrons ranging from age 20 to 60 depending on the movie.
Moviegoers that have never experienced the intimate feel of an art house cinema may wish to make the trip to Columbus one weekend and enjoy the experience.
Unfortunately, the subject matter of some of the films may be keeping audiences away.
Controversial films like Pawel Pawlikowski’s “My Summer of Love” have gotten mixed reviews from audiences at the Twin. Potential patrons must keep aware of the fact that independent film has an amazing amount of variety, but it requires a more open mind than more mainstream fare.
The Varsity Twin is located on 401 Main St., across from Harvey’s restaurant. The inconspicuous building is easy to miss. A small banner out front identifies the Varsity Twin as an art house cinema. The interior features a small snack counter and the entrances to both of the theaters. One can also find pamphlets with information about upcoming attractions. The theaters themselves are quite large.
This is the only theater of its kind in the Golden Triangle region. Now movie buffs will not have to wait until independent films are released on DVD to see the indies that they are excited about. In the future, Ralph Fiennes in “The Constant Gardener,” Bill Murray in “Broken Flowers” and Courtney Cox in “November” will only be a 30 minute drive away.
One of the films currently playing at the theater is “Asylum.”
“Asylum” is based on the novel by Patrick McGrath, which takes place in 1950’s England.
It’s the story of lonely wife Stella Raphael (Natasha Richardson) and her obsession with one of her husband’s patients at a mental institution. Hugh Bonneville (“Underclassmen,” “Man to Man”) is Max Raphael, Stella’s distant husband. Ian McKellen (“X-Men,” “Gods and Monsters”) also stars as a calculating and manipulative associate of Max’s.
For more information on the theater and film listings, patrons can visit Malco Theaters’ Web site at www.malco.com.