Imagine sitting in a darkened theater, eagerly awaiting the latest cinematic masterpiece from Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another, only to witness the film itself literally catch fire. Yes, you read that right—film stock fires are halting screenings of this highly anticipated movie. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t just a random technical glitch; it’s a stark reminder of the delicate nature of the medium we love. And this is the part most people miss—while digital dominates, film purists cherish the tactile, immersive experience of celluloid, even with its inherent risks.
Reports from moviegoers have surfaced, detailing instances where One Battle After Another screenings were abruptly interrupted by film stock fires. One such incident occurred at the iconic Vista Theatre in Los Angeles, owned by none other than Quentin Tarantino. A social media post (https://x.com/avary/status/1971391731125170263?s=46) described how the film burned an hour into the screening, prompting Pulp Fiction co-writer Roger Avary to quip, “Inglorious”—a playful nod to Inglourious Basterds, where a theater meets a fiery end due to flammable nitrate film. Thankfully, no fascist dictators were harmed during this screening… as far as we know.
But is this a sign of film’s fragility or a testament to its enduring magic? While such incidents are incredibly rare—and we’re not suggesting you avoid the film—they highlight the unique challenges of preserving and projecting celluloid. In one case, only a single frame was damaged, and the film was back up and running within 10 minutes. However, another screening halted after just 15 minutes due to the same issue. It’s a double-edged sword: film’s vulnerability makes it precious, but its unpredictability can be a headache for theaters and audiences alike.
Despite these hiccups, One Battle After Another is a must-see on the big screen—ideally, the biggest screen you can find showing it on film. Critics are hailing it as one of the year’s best (https://www.joblo.com/one-battle-after-another-review/amp/), and it’s precisely the kind of bold, immersive filmmaking that deserves your support. Leonardo DiCaprio, a vocal advocate for the film, emphasized its importance in a recent interview with Variety: “Paul shot this movie in VistaVision—cameras rarely used since the early ‘60s. He wants people to have that immersive experience and make an action film that’s unexpected, tactile, realistic, and unlike anything we’ve seen lately. In that respect, box office is very important.”
But here’s the controversial question: Is the risk of film stock fires worth it for the sake of preserving cinematic tradition? Some argue that the warmth and texture of film are irreplaceable, while others believe digital is the safer, more practical choice. Where do you stand? And have you ever experienced a film stock fire during a screening? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
Source: X (https://x.com/avary/status/1971391731125170263?s=46)
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Favorite Movies: 12 Angry Men, 2001: A Space Odyssey, All the President’s Men, Almost Famous, Annie Hall, Bicycle Thieves, Carnal Knowledge, Cinema Paradiso, Dick Tracy, Double Indemnity, Halloween, Harold and Maude, In Bruges, The Killing, Magnolia, Minnie and Moskowitz, Modern Times, Paris, Texas, Rosemary’s Baby, Taxi Driver
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