American cinema in danger. Director Christopher Nolan wrote a column in The Washington Post on Saturday regarding the state of cinemas in the United States. The coronavirus epidemic, like everywhere in the world, put an end to all leisure activities and the American Empire began to suffer the consequences. Last week, the family business B&B Theaters closed 428 cinemas and laid off almost 2,000 people. And the closings are just beginning.
Read also: Coronavirus: "containment impacts the entire cinema chain"
For the director of Interstellar , this crisis allows spectators as well as in the United States to realize what represents for them the 7th art. “ When people think of cinema, they see the stars, the studios, the glamor. But the film industry concerns more people: those who work in the snacks, who take care of the equipment, the boxes, those who program the films, those who sell them and those who clean the toilets of the local cinema. "
If these people are essential to the proper functioning of the industry as a whole, Christopher Nolan insists that their salaries are far from being advantageous and that the government should not forget this important branch of American entertainment. " I hope people see our community for what it really is: a vital part of social life, providing jobs for many and entertainment for all." "
Part of the national economy
It is also the entire sector that must give itself the means to set out again once the epidemic is over with new films in cinemas and economic aid given to local cinemas. " The combination of this pent-up demand and the promise of new films could stimulate the local economy and contribute to our national economy ," says the director.
Read also: In China, the first reopening of cinemas does not attract crowds
Beyond the economic aspects, the 7th art is for Christopher Nolan the opportunity to meet and share - exchanges which for the moment are non-existent. “ Maybe, like me, you thought you were going to the movies for surround sound, or soda and popcorn, or movie stars. But this was not the case. We were there for each other. "
If Christopher Nolan talks about American cinema, it is the entire industry that is in danger. If States do not put in place economic solutions and a logic of artistic revival, many cultural fields such as theater or even music could suffer in the long term. The entertainment is in danger and its actors call for help.
