Overview
The folks at the Astor Theatre have just released their latest program, and we've never been so happy to soak it in. In the wake of years of angst and uncertainty surrounding the future of the art-deco cinema, the new program marks the start of a veritable second age, after Palace Cinemas announced last month that they would be taking over the venue — guaranteeing its survival for (hopefully) many years to come.
"As long as we're around, it's a cinema," says newly appointed general manager Zak Hepburn. "I think the main point of Palace getting involved with The Astor was so they could save it. To put the final word on it, and know that it won't be turned into a carpark or a high-rise apartment. It's all about preserving that legacy."
Hepburn's involvement should help quash concerns about the legitimacy of The Astor's latest resurrection. A respected and enthusiastic figure in the Melbourne film scene, Hepburn has no shortage of cinema programming experience, beginning with the late night 'cult vault' sessions at Palace Westgarth, as well as a stint at The Shadow Electric. You might also recognise him from his weekly gig reviewing films on ABC News Breakfast.
Like many local film buffs, Hepburn feels a particular connection with the cinemas he's now been charged with operating. "I grew up in Bacchus Marsh, where it was hard to access retrospective stuff," says Hepburn. "Then when I was probably around eight or ten, I heard of this place and asked my Mum to take me. I went to a matinee session of TYellow Submarine, and I thought it was just amazing... I'm 32 now, so I've been going steadily to The Astor, every calendar, for more than 20 years."
Hepburn understands people's lingering sense of uncertainty, but is quick to assuage our concerns, including the idea that Palace might try and convert the cinema into a multiplex. "In the age of multiple exhibitors and Netflix and everything else, everybody is looking for a point of difference," says Hepburn. "The Astor is such a unique location, so to make it just like every other location would really defeat the purpose of investing in it. Palace has already got those multi-screen locations, so this is really the alternative pathway for fans of cinema."
So what changes will Palace be making? In terms of the actual building, the answer is apparently very little. "There are absolutely no structural changes planned for the location," says Hepburn. "It's mostly maintenance... A bit of paint here, a few fixed seats, maybe some lighting. That's really about it."
As for the candy bar, Hepburn says that we can expect to see a slight incorporation of Palace's coffee, wine and boutique beer range, before hastening to add that the famous (and delicious) Choc Ice ice-creams will still definitely be on the menu.
Of course the most important thing — the thing that has always set The Astor apart — is the quality of the programming. In that regard, Hepburn promises it'll be business as usual, with calendars consisting of the theatre's typical blend of double bills and retrospectives, including screenings on 35mm and 70mm, along with a smattering of recent releases. A quick look at the new calendar confirms it, with everything from golden age Hollywood classics like The Maltese Falcon and Some Like It Hot, to iconic cult films including a double bill of Evil Dead and Carrie. There's also an Avengers double feature with prizes for best costume, as well as a 007 marathon on back-to-back weekends.
"What I really want to do is have a curatorial kernel in each calendar," Hepburn explains. "So there'll be a sort of master film in there, and then strands hanging off. For example, in this first one, we have the gala premiere of the Gillian Armstrong documentary Women He's Undressed, which is based on the life of costume designer Orry-Kelly. So we've got quite a few Orry-Kelly films in the program, and are really touching on some classic Hollywood stuff."
Ultimately, Hepburn considers The Astor "a destination cinema", one where "every cinema session should be an experience". Here's hoping that under Palace, it stays that way for a long, long time.
The Astor Theatre officially reopens for business on June 7. To check out their latest program, visit their website.
Image: Charlie Kinross Photography