July 06, 2020
I was on assignment with Scenestr magazine for the first time since the pandemic shut everything down in March.
Cinemas had just re-opened in Queensland and I attended a preview screening of Waves with a bunch of critics at New Farm cinemas. There were no plus ones so Karen wasn’t with me.
Waves is an excellent film which would have made my Top 10 last year if it had been released in Australia. You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/waves-film-review-20200708
Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. Having started in 1993 they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They still publish magazines in print for Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland every month.
There was definitely some joy to be taken that here was another activity back but this one was tempered with some caution.
As a film buff people have often asked my feelings on how the pandemic has shut down movies.
Since this pandemic happened I’ve never really missed movies, I’ve watched some classics and some new stuff on streaming services.
Yes I’ve worried about those who work in the arts.
But more so I’ve worried about everybody who has lost their jobs in recent months.
I love going to the cinema but I haven’t felt I lost her in these recent weeks.
We’ve lost lives. Hundreds and thousands of them.
We’ve lost jobs.
Millions of them.
We’ve lost good health and good prospects for the future for millions more.
I enjoyed seeing a wonderful movie and being a film critic again on the job. Something I am eternally grateful for.
But on the 6th of July I found my cinema had patiently waited for my return and was happy to see me again. I know she will wait for me again and for all of us if need be.
-Lloyd Marken
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