The Cinema Paradox: Why L.A.’s Theaters Are Thriving in the Streaming Age
There’s something almost poetic about the resurgence of Los Angeles’s cinemas. Just when the obituary for Hollywood’s golden age seemed all but written, theaters like Glendale’s Alex Theatre are roaring back to life. Personally, I think this isn’t just a revival—it’s a rebellion against the narrative that streaming has killed the communal movie-going experience. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it defies the doom-and-gloom predictions about the film industry’s decline post-pandemic. If Hollywood is dying, why are its theaters more alive than ever?
The Alex Theatre: A Symbol of Cinematic Resilience
The Alex Theatre’s transformation is a microcosm of this larger trend. After 35 years of dormancy, its $500,000 upgrade has turned it into a beacon for cinephiles. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about screening films—it’s about preserving history. Walt Disney once tested his cartoons here, and now it’s hosting state-of-the-art screenings of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. In my opinion, this blend of nostalgia and innovation is what’s driving audiences back.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the new ground-floor projection booth with windows. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder that cinema is a collaborative art form. As projectionist Taylor Umphenour puts it, the projectionist is ‘the last performer to be part of the making of the film.’ This raises a deeper question: Are we witnessing a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship behind movies?
A Broader Renaissance
The Alex isn’t an outlier. From Sony’s restoration of the Cinerama Dome to Netflix’s purchase of the Egyptian Theatre, there’s a concerted effort to revive L.A.’s cinematic landmarks. What this really suggests is that studios and independents alike are betting on the enduring appeal of the theatrical experience. Even Kristen Stewart’s effort to resuscitate the Highland Theatre feels like a cultural statement—a refusal to let these spaces fade into obscurity.
One thing that immediately stands out is the role of online communities in this revival. Platforms like Letterboxd and boutique streamers like Criterion are fostering a new generation of savvy viewers. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a perfect example of how the digital age can complement, not replace, traditional cinema. It’s a symbiotic relationship, not a zero-sum game.
The Human Factor
At the heart of this resurgence is something fundamentally human: the desire for shared experiences. Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman nails it when he compares movie theaters to Broadway or Taylor Swift concerts. We’re communal beings, and there’s an irreplaceable magic in laughing, crying, or gasping alongside strangers. The pandemic, for all its devastation, seems to have amplified this craving.
But what’s often misunderstood is that this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about the future. Escott O. Norton of the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation points out that L.A.’s unique audience of cinephiles and industry insiders provides a solid foundation for these venues. From my perspective, this is a blueprint for other cities to follow—if you build it (or rebuild it), they will come.
The Hidden Drivers
What’s driving this boom isn’t just big studios or celebrity-led initiatives. It’s the grassroots passion of independent exhibitors, online communities, and everyday moviegoers. Maggie Mackay of Vidiots captures it perfectly: ‘Audiences never stopped loving the theatrical experience.’ The pandemic didn’t kill this love—it intensified it.
A surprising angle here is the role of smaller, curated platforms like Mubi and Criterion. They’re not just streaming services; they’re cultural curators, sparking curiosity and driving audiences to theaters. This positive feedback loop is something I find incredibly hopeful. It suggests that the future of cinema isn’t about choosing between streaming and theaters—it’s about finding ways for them to coexist and thrive.
The Haunting Beauty of It All
Standing in the Alex Theatre, Miles Williams muses that the space is ‘haunted by the memories of all the people who spent time here.’ It’s a haunting that feels alive, not ghostly. What makes this revival so powerful is its ability to honor the past while embracing the future. These theaters aren’t just screening films—they’re preserving stories, both on-screen and off.
If you ask me, this is about more than box office numbers or architectural restoration. It’s about reclaiming a sense of community, of shared humanity. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the resurgence of L.A.’s cinemas is a reminder that some experiences are simply better together.
Final Thought:
As I reflect on this cinematic renaissance, I’m struck by its broader implications. It’s not just about saving theaters—it’s about saving a way of experiencing art. In a fragmented world, these spaces offer a rare opportunity to connect, to feel part of something larger than ourselves. And that, in my opinion, is worth fighting for.
