bijoux cine

So we’re thinking of going to Bangkok this weekend. I have to buy items for my English class. As a reward system for participation I’ve been handing out a fake currency depicting my face on the one-dollar bill. (They thought this was hilarious.) It’s kinda like the fake pesos we’d get in Spanish class when we answered questions right. So the deal is I now have to open up a little store for my students to buy a bunch of crap with the fake money they have stashed in their notebooks. The hope is to find some great “Hello Kitty” cell phone covers, or a few volumes of Ultra-man Manga, and possibly a bootleg copy of the Thai blockbuster, “Tom Yum Goon.” They do love them some and Toney Jaa. And let’s not even get into the giant faced cat. If there is anything out here that could possibly rival the ubiquitous Buddha images, it’s f-ing Hello Kitty. Anyway, my ulterior motive for taking the jaunt up to Bangkok is to jump into the Golden Star movie theatre- cue angelic choir…the Golden Star movie theatre isn’t just a trip to the movies, it’s a little slice of heaven right here on earth. It’s the only theatre that I’ve been to where the size of the seat rivals the size of the screen. The Archlight in L.A. has got nothing on this place, and at fifteen American dollars a pop, it’s hardly the budget traveler’s experience of choice but I can say without the slightest bit of hesitation, that it is worth the chunk of change just to experience. Not to mention there are few better ways to escape the oppressive mid-day heat of the city, and is just a hop-skip and a brief ride on the sky-train away, (which in my opinion and that of any sane person who’s ridden on this superbly air-conditioned mono-rail-esque train, is that it’s the best and most scenic way to get around Bangkok (period)) In fact, it’s almost too good. It spoils you with its serene and fluid method of transportation, making it so you don’t ever want to get off anywhere. Except at Siam Square, home to the Golden Star Movie Theater…and choir. Okay, let me bring you back to my first experience with this fine cinematic-establishment. It was back in May…I believe? The movie, “The Interpreter.” Thai Baht quickly changed hands at the ticket booth and we were quickly whisked through sliding glass doors into the cool interior of the theatre’s lobby. The usher gestured to an arrangement of blue velvet seats for us to sit it, as he would take our concession order here. Thus far it was more restaurant than movie theatre. After informing him that our movie had already started, he jotted down an order for three cokes and a bucket of popcorn and promptly ushered us into the dark theatre where the names of Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn were already appearing on screen. I should point out that had we not been so rushed, we would have had our pick at many other concession items including what appeared to be a fully stocked bar of spirits, and a kitchen that would prepare food. Watching Hollywood’s finest on the big screen while Sipping Johnny Walker on the rocks? Don’t mind if I do. Entering the theatre late, we also missed the King’s salute. I’ve experienced this since, and basically it’s a tribute to the king, not unlike the National Anthem prior to sporting events in the States. Here everyone is asked to stand for the King. In the case of movies, they screen a brief biographical montage of the King. During these rituals, I can’t help but imagine what it would be like in the States if we were asked to stand for the President before every sporting event, play, or movie. I can only imagine the quality entertainment derived from watching an audience forced viewing of a George W. Bush biography prior to a screening of “Fahrenheit 911.” I wonder if Michael Moore would have refused to screen his movie in theatres. There’s that Yin and Yang thing again.
Anyway, back in the darkened theatre, I stumbled around trying to follow the person in front of me as my eyes act in a vein attempt to adjust to the darkness. Nonetheless, I soon found myself accommodated by a big, leather, Lazy-boy style recliner. I was also issued a little bag containing a fleece blanket, pillow and socks. Well, I wasted no time pulling on my fresh set of “movie-watching-socks,” covering up with my soft blanket, propping the pillow behind my head and reclining back the full 180 degrees. Shortly thereafter, our beverages and popcorn arrived, placed on a small table that separates each seat from each other. Ahhhh, good livin’. After the movie, when the lights came up, I was able to get a better view of the theatre, which turned out to have a mere five rows, each consisting of only eight seats due to their luxurious size. As I exited I made mental note to be referenced later when I construct my own home theatre. Should my seats be red like these or black? And just where do I get my own Thai usher? I suppose I could start raising one now and then export him when we leave. I wonder what import duties would be on something like that?
Actually I just realized that I have to renew my visa. This means a run for the Cambodian border this weekend. Damn – and I could just taste the walker and popcorn.

bangkok skyline

bangkok skyline
Posted by: joelkling.