Screening the 1984 Cannes Palme d’Or winner Paris, Texas, directed by Wim Wenders, at the pop-up cinema at Dungeness was an inspired choice by Chris McGill of the Rebel Reel Cine Club.
The opening iconic scenes show Travis, played by Harry Dean Stanton, travelling through the desert of West Texas with its big skies, wide open spaces and isolated buildings. Glance away from the screen and we were in a similar setting. As Chris said, we would not be surprised if we saw Harry Dean Stanton, walking across the shingle and along the road.
“We screen on Dungeness because there is literally nowhere like it on earth! A desert by the sea with Derek Jarman’s cottage… Every film we screen is enhanced by screening outside with the gentle hum of the power station, the sea and endless sky… We pick each film to fit either with the end of the world feel or because visually it just works… horizons, sweeping plains or uptight characters… We have regulars travelling from all over as well as loads of locals!”
People gather before the film for drinks and delicious fresh pizza (from locally-based Baker That Bakes Pizza) accompanied by music until the light fades. On one of the hottest and most humid days of the summer, it was hard to imagine that we would need the long sleeves, jumpers and blankets recommended but the sea breeze that blows uninterrupted across the flatness was more than cooling.
It is a magical evening, sitting on the shingle at the Snack Shack, surrounded by old lobster pots, abandoned mechanical equipment, grasses and vipers bugloss, with the pink of the sunset behind, the lights of the nuclear power station looming in the near distance and the flash of the lighthouse and car headlights. For a film nearly two and a half hours long, the audience was gripped by the story and script written by Sam Shepherd, the quiet, slow-pace and emotional depth of the direction and acting, and the atmospheric music of Ry Cooder.
There will be a further event at Dungeness on August 23 with the screening of the critically acclaimed The Misfits of 1961 starring Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift. Written by Arthur Miller (married to Monroe at the time) and directed by John Huston, it is again a great choice, filmed in the Nevada desert and shot in black and white. Some of the most iconic images of Marilyn Monroe were taken on set by Eve Arnold. It will be another fantastic evening. You can book here.
Image Credits: Juliet Duff .
The Pizza is delicious there too. It’s a magical experience to watch a film there after sunset. I was wondering if a shuttle bus from Rye could help keep the car numbers down perhaps. I could have a wine or three if a bus was available. 😉