BROOKLINE, Mass. – A packed house filled the main screening room at Coolidge Corner Theaters Friday evening in an event that served as a preview for one of the upcoming awards seasons, likely Oscar darlings, and a homecoming for an acclaimed director.
A line wrapped around Coolidges’ Art Deco facade for a chance to see Marty supreme, the last entry of Uncut gemstones director Josh Safdie’s deeply rooted and terrifying canon.
Set in 1950s New York, the film follows Timothe Chalamet’s Marty Mauser, a young man who strives to reach the top of the table tennis mountain by any means necessary.
While the Coolidge is no stranger to cutting-edge screenings and hosting acclaimed directors, the 92-year-old indie theater, nestled between a CVS and a pizzeria, has risen to the world stage as an exhibitor of the best in filmmaking.
Last month, the Coolidge was one of only four theaters worldwide to feature One battle after another in Vistavision, an old-fashioned form of film projection in which the strip runs horizontally through the projector.
It was a form of moviegoing that most audiences hadn’t seen in decades.
“We have a reputation for handling film, on a world-class stage when it comes to our technical staff and projectionists. We regularly organize personal events for directors. And sometimes that was the case for films that were up for awards, Coolidge’s Art Director Mark Anastasio told Boston 25 News. Overall, I attribute the success of this place to the incredible team we have here, from every member of our administration to everyone on our box office staff. It’s a place where everyone who works here truly loves film and strives to create the best programs and presentations possible. That’s the truth of it.”
In addition to new releases, the Coolidge often offers a monthly repertory series highlighting classic films. Anastasio says classic films have become a big draw for younger audiences.
We saw people in their 20s and 30s coming here as the most predominant demographic, and they’re coming out not just for first-round features, but for all the classics that we run in one of our signature repertoire programs.,” said Anastasio. “I I don’t know if Letterboxd drives people to the theaters or if people going to see movies in the theaters drives them to Letterboxd, but you’re seeing a lot more community emerging around film culture. And we become a hub for that. And we were, we leaned where we were really trying to be that.
According to Anastasio, screenings of older films are often determined by what’s new.
We devise film programs that respond to what our audience wants. Sometimes it’s what’s going on in popular culture, sometimes it’s what’s going on in movie culture. Often that’s what people are interested in right now, with movies, Anastasio explains. When we’re doing a dangerous love series, like in February for Valentine’s Day, or just having fun with Godzilla movies over the summer, I try to plan our schedule so that there really is something for everyone, every night of the week, and all month long.”
After the screening, which received a raucous standing ovation, director Josh Safdie discussed the film with his former professor at Boston University.
Safdie explained how the Mausers table tennis saga came about Marty Supreme was at least partially shaped by his own journey through Hollywood.
A dream is really about taking control of your destiny, Safdie shared.
Marty Supreme will be released nationally at Christmas.
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