The Artist

Last week I spent at least an hour on the Internet trying to find this film playing at a cinema near us. I'd read some great things about this very intelligent film, but none of the huge multiplex cinemas in the vicinity were showing it. Obviously not enough car chases, violence or animation for the locals. Anyway, yet again I had to resort to Twitter, and someone recommended The Electric Cinema in Birmingham.

I'd never heard of the place, but it's an independent cinema, and is apparently the oldest working cinema in the country. It has a very art deco vibe, and that alone without the fact that they seemed to be the only cinema in the Midlands showing 'The Artist' made me curious.

So, yesterday hubby and I put on our glad rags, and headed over to Birmingham for the 5.45pm showing of the film. We found a nearby carpark and found the lovely little cinema only to find out that the showing was sold out. Never mind, we bought our tickets for the 8.15pm showing and went for a wander around nearby China Town and The Arcadian in search of a bar for some drinks.

It was a bit stark around there, 100s of Chinese restaurants and a handful of soul less bars. Maybe it was just because it was a Sunday, but it seemed a bit deserted. Anyway, eventually we found a nice little pub that was just opposite the Hippodrome, and was quite obviously the theatre bar.

We took up a seat in the corner, and sat with our drinks. Then we took advantage of the scenery, and the lack of punters to take lots of photographs of our outfits. As you can see, I couldn't wait to wear all of my newest acquisitions, my Monsoon dress and the hat and bag which Dr. W brought for me on Saturday. I love this outfit.

Hubby was working the 40s vibe too, and looking mighty dapper too.

After an hour or so, we wandered back to the cinema and took advantage of the lovely little bar in the foyer of the cinema. Hubby was driving, so he could only have coffee, but I plumped for a delicious blue cocktail, the name of which escapes me. It washed down the nachos just nicely. Another great thing that this cinema offers is the ability to take your glass of wine into the lovely little auditorium to sip while you enjoy the film. Can you tell I'm enamoured of The Electric?

Anyway, soon enough we were watching the film, the one we'd travelled all the way from Coventry especially to see. I hadn't realised that it was a silent film until I had read the leaflet in the foyer, so this was going to be quite an experience. Unless you've been under a rock today you've probably seen that the film has received a couple of Golden Globes today, and it is well worthy of them. It was witty, funny, the photography was astounding and it really did invoke the feeling of a bygone era. It was a really charming love story, an I have to say that the dog was truly astounding. He reminded me a little of Alfie, and now I'm desperate to try and teach him some of those tricks. It was a really glamorous film, and I think if you have any interest in times gone by, or even just in fantastic photography and clever films then this is one you must not miss. I'm just glad that we found somewhere to watch it.

Hubby and I haven't been on a date night in some time, and the visit to see this film at this cinema was lovely. We really had a great time.