Pub Fiction

To imbibe –what exactly is this? One definition is that it is used to describe the action of drinking, particularly alcohol. The other definition, however, gives the word a less literal meaning: to assimilate ideas or knowledge (x). Both meanings of the same word make perfect sense when the anthropogenic eye studies the English lifestyle in which cinema and alcohol meet (Professor Nericcio is laughing hysterically in the distance at the clever use of the word he sneaked in the prompt). 

As we have learned from our adventures in London, alcohol always seems to make an appearance when involved with socializing nightlife institutions that are recurrent in the city –pubs, cinemas, bars, and even a combination of all three like The Roxy. Alcohol affects the dynamics of the movie theater experience by turning it into a more social event.

When we watched the screening of Pulp Fiction at The Roxy, these dynamics became more evident, especially when comparing the experience to one back at home. In San Diego, people go in and out of the theater without socializing much. They might go in groups, like as a family or as a couple or as a group of friends. These are groups of people that already know each other and are watching a movie merely for entertainment. However, they don’t get a chance to long in the theater and to reach out to new people. On the other hand, this becomes a completely different story at The Roxy. Most people might attend to watch Pulp Fiction or a different film, and they may choose to do more with their experience. For example, the moviegoers have the option to continue the experience by discussing the film right after it finishes because the bar area of the club/cinema offers that option.  The disco and the bar areas of The Roxy are the perfect excuse to make people long and wanting to socialize. In addition, thanks to the cinema portion, the people already have the perfect excuse to start a conversation: a common interest for film and entertainment. 

Going back to the experience at The Roxy, it is evident that people are not just “imbibing” alcohol –they’re also imbibing themselves in ideas and knowledge. As mentioned, they could engage in conversations or discussions of the movie right after the movie finishes because they have the bar close by. The relaxed atmosphere of the place also helps, because the combination of the couches and the tables give it more of an “at-home” experience. People can leave home but still feel at home when going to The Roxy for a movie. Others, however, might ditch the “homely” feeling and opt for a drink at the bar or using the disco to dance. The Roxy offers many possibilities, and many different levels for a person to socialize, whether they choose to drink or not to drink alcohol.

An example of how the cinema at The Roxy achieves its
relaxed and retro atmosphere -the red curtains, the comfy furniture,
and the classic films all come together to create an unique movie experience

In addition, the place not only screens recent releases but classic ones as well. Films such as Pulp Fiction help give the theater a more classic and retro feel. Probably the people that attended the original screening of Pulp Fiction back in 1994 felt that the atmosphere of The Roxy brought them back to their first time watching the film 20 years ago. Thanks to the combination of the relaxed and retro atmosphere, plus the opportunity to imbibe in alcohol during the film, The Roxy offers a unique experience to the moviegoer that’s not just limited to watching the movie, but in engaging and socializing with others as well.