What is going to the movies like for you? For most of my life it meant sitting next to a friend or partner because I could put the arm up and spill over into their seat. If a stranger was on the other side, I had to lean towards the person I knew so my arms didn’t keep smashing against theirs.
But what was it like when I went to see the IMAX movie Queen: Rock Montreal?
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I had not been to a movie since Country Strong came out in 2010. Fourteen years since I’ve been to a movie theater.
Walking in, without a walker, the place smelled exactly the same. I remembered the routine. Pay ticket, though now it is scan ticket, then go to the candy counter for popcorn, Diet Coke, and a couple three boxes of candy.
Before I left the house, I thought about the candy counter and wondered what I would do. When I was in the line, all I intended to buy was a Diet Coke. The displays of candy that I used to gorge on, were on either side. I did nothing but give them a passing glance, not remotely interested in picking one up. In my head, I was thinking, “Isn’t this cool? How many calories did I used to eat here? I don’t even want popcorn!” It was just going to be the Diet Coke.
Until I saw the price.
Fourteen dollars. $14?! Are you kidding me? I assumed prices had gone up, but that much? I stepped out of line and found theater 11 instead.
It was so odd walking into the theater and not being panicked about sitting in a chair. I had a second of that worry-zing, but dismissed it quickly. I often had to sit in a wheelchair section seat to get some space, especially if I had the walker with me.
I chose to sit high up in the middle, somewhere I never would have been able to get to before. I walked up and down twice to run to the baño. Each step amazed me. I was floating up and down so many stairs. what an amazing transformation this experience was.
Queen
I am a certified Queenie, loving all things about the band Queen. The concert being shown in IMAX was the Montreal 1981 concert, one I know by heart. It was soooo different in IMAX!
I heard John Deacon‘s bass play more than I ever had before. I was able to see Roger Taylor 18 feet tall and could see how hard he hit those drums. I’ve watched my fair share of Roger Taylor Cams on YouTube, but was still in awe at the major close-ups of his playing and singing. I adore Sir Dr. Brian May, the man with the 180 IQ. I’ve seen every interview with him I can find, trying to gain some super-knowledge from his wisdom, while always loving his Red Special guitar playing.
And then there is Freddie Mercury. The Montreal filming made the band incredibly angry when it was being done because the cameras got in the way as well as focused mostly on Freddie instead of them. Now, however, Roger and Brian have said how blessed they were to have this film of Freddie in the peak of health and so close you could see his pores. Just exquisite seeing Freddie playing the piano and singing his heart and soul out.
I loved my night alone at the movies. I used to be terrified of violence in theaters and that was the main excuse for not going. This time, I didn’t even remember I had been so afraid until my mom reminded me the next day. Everyone was so proud of me for going.
I am proud of myself.
photos by Barb Herrera