The Vista is a historic single-screen movie theater in Los Angeles, standing strong at 101 years old. It holds the distinction of being one of the last of its kind in the bustling city. Notably, the renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino acquired the Vista a few years back, during the midst of a pandemic. Tarantino’s passion for preserving the essence of traditional cinema led him to refurbish the theater, even establishing a charming coffee shop named “Coffy” next door, paying homage to the Pam Grier film.
When questioned about his investment in the Vista and the New Beverly, another single-screen theater he owns, Tarantino candidly remarked, “I’ve got a living room. I want to go to a movie theater.” This sentiment encapsulates the allure and magic of experiencing films in a traditional theater setting.
Ti West’s Cinematic Trilogy at the Vista
A few weeks ago, I attended a sold-out double feature at the Vista featuring the film “X” and its prequel, “Pearl.” Both movies, released in 2022 by the esteemed A24 studio, were directed by Ti West, a filmmaker often likened to Tarantino for their shared fascination with the art and history of filmmaking.
West’s trilogy, which also includes the newly released “MaXXXine,” delves into the horror genre while intricately exploring themes of ambition and the pursuit of stardom. Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese praised West’s work, noting that each film in the trilogy embodies a different era and facet of American moviemaking.
Surprises and Revelations at the Vista
During the event at the Vista, Ti West and actress Lily Collins engaged in a discussion about the trilogy. West had a captivating idea to screen “MaXXXine” instead of “Pearl” as a surprise for the audience. This decision exemplified West’s penchant for subverting expectations and delivering unexpected cinematic experiences.
West’s approach, akin to the iconic moment in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” where Indiana Jones effortlessly dispatches a swordsman, showcases his mastery in leading audiences towards unforeseen revelations.
| Ti West’s Trilogy Films | ||
|---|---|---|
| “X” | “Pearl” | “MaXXXine” |
