The Art of Silence

I went into the movie theatre not knowing if my mind could handle the silence of a silent film. I mean how do they expect me to be entertained?! In a time when terms like SFX, Stop Motion and CGI have become almost a second language to us all. How could a simple movie where I had to read to know what's happening keep me on the edge of my seat for over an hour and a half?! 

It did. 

In fact it was such an appeasing film that I didn't even need to read at all to know what what going on. The acting was superb, witty, charming, warm hearted and just plain cinematic perfection!

The Artist falls into the long tradition of movies about the movies, and centres on an established film star and a beguiling young actress in the late Twenties and early Thirties Hollywood, during the rise of the talkies. But, while the plot and setting instantly bring to mind Singin’ in the Rain, this film pulls in the opposite direction to Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen’s visually and sonically ravishing screen musical. Rather than being a celebration of colour and sound, it’s a eulogy for monochrome and silence; less a showcase of what film can do than a reminder of what it can be.

It turns out they do make ’em like they used to.

I couldn't think of a better place to see a film like this either then the Tampa Theatre. Built in 1926 complete with an organist and original decor I truly felt like I was in old Hollywood watching a silent movie and being amazed at moving pictures on a large screen feeling as if I had never seen it before. The Artist only has a few days left on it's run but I have a feeling that no matter what I see in this theatre the experience will be heightened for shear aesthetics and ambiance alone and I highly suggest a visit to anyone.


Helpful Hints:


*Arrive early so you can see the pre show entertainment.


*Drinks are served! What better then a little vino or beer while your watching a flick.


*Parking is free Mon - Fri after 6pm and all day on Sat. and Sun.


*Sit in the mezzanine and feel like VIP.


*Sign up for the newsletter... too many amazing events happening.


*Become a member and support the arts!

Tampa Theatre

711 North Franklin St   Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 274-8981

www.tampatheatre.org

New Years Nirvana

I moved to Tampa in June of 2011 and really knew nothing about the place other then it was close to many beaches and home of the famous Ybor City. I had planned on venturing out and discovering hidden gems and getting to the depths of what this city really has to offer but remodeling a house seemed to always get in the way. This morning I thought I would set the year off right and check out this Buddhist Temple I have been hearing so much about. It's called Wat Mongkolratanaram and it's located on a nook of land not yet covered by buildings and strip malls on the banks of Palm River. On Sundays the buddhist monks serve up a fresh traditional feast to the public and for a small amount of $$ even though I would pay NYC's prices to have this kind of fresh peacefulness served to me on a plate. The sounds of nature and the recordings of dharma coming from the ceremonies in the Temple transcend you to a completely different mindset and refreshed approach to living. But without sounding too much like a brochure I think you should put this on the top of your list of spots to try and see for your self I promise you will be planning your next visit before you leave your first.

Helpful tips:

*They open at 10:30 am, the earlier you get there the better to avoid lines and the chance of them running out of some of the top dishes.

*Everyone is welcome to go inside the temple just be respectful and take your shoes off and be quite.

*Bring cash, dishes range from $1.00 to $7.00 each

*There's a market with fresh flowers and plants for sale... again, bring cash.

*Parking is tight but they have directors there to help you find your way.

*Pets are welcomes just not around the food stations.

*Bring an open mind and leave the negativity behind.

5306 Palm River Rd
Tampa, FL 33619

(813) 621-1669

www.wattampa.com