Bored of blockbusters? Unsatisfied with movie selections at the local multiplexes? Break out of your comfort zone and head to the Bijou Art Cinema, located at 492 East 13th Avenue.
You’ll know when you get there because it’s the only church in town with showtimes on the side. That’s right, it’s a re-purposed church with only two auditoriums that hold around 100 people each. The Bijou theatre has stood the test of time since it opened in 1980. Once there, you’ll be among the hardcore film lovers who frequent the Bijou.
“I think there’s a community here of people who are educated and intellectual and want something more than just a blockbuster,” said Julie Blonshteyn, one of the Bijou’s four owners. “And we have the movies that they like and we’re the only ones that do that.”
Maggie Yokun, a Bijou regular, appreciates the theatre’s unique ability to “bring independent and obscure films to Eugene,” joking that it’s the only place to see “good and real movies” in town. “You don’t get these kind of movies anywhere else,” she said.
The Bijou’s patrons are passionate about the films they watch and view it less as entertainment than an art form, and the Bijou leaves little to be desired. While most costumers are 60+ years old, the Bijou hopes that their proximity to campus will encourage more students to visit.
“It’s such a unique setting to watch a movie,” said Taylor Newberry, a University of Oregon sophomore and first-timer at the Bijou. “I don’t understand why I’ve never gone before.”
The Bijou boasts a wide range of films from independent movies, documentaries and even foreign films, with a complement of arthouse cinema at Bijou Metro downtown (43 West Broadway). Movies are typically low-budget and unless you personally seek them out, most of them you probably haven’t heard of before. Essentially, these are films you won’t be able to enjoy in a movie theatre elsewhere, but that doesn’t make them any less watchable, only more elusive.
“Whereas people who go to the mall or a big multiplex just want to see some action movie or some blockbuster, our movies tend to be a little more cerebral,” Blonshteyn said.
The atmosphere alone is worth the reasonable price of $7 admittance fee (only $6 for students). During a mid-movie bathroom break, you’ll travel through a beautiful courtyard complete with a fountain that houses lovely fish. It’s a very natural, calming environment that multiplex theatres just simply cannot imitate.
Staffers provide additional ambiance by being just as passionate about films as their costumers. Most employees watch every film that screens and jump at the opportunity to converse with moviegoers about their thoughts on a particular movie and can offer recommendations.
“You’re going to be welcomed by people who love their job and love movies,” Blonshteyn said.
Stop by the Bijou Art Cinema for the movies, the atmosphere and the people. If you do stop by, be sure to ask for extra yeast on your popcorn.
Current showings and upcoming events can be found on their website www.bijou-cinemas.com or their Twitter @BijouArtCinemas.