ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years, 11 months ago - Lee Hollins

Like the community spirit Paddy. As I said, only an idea. Bottom line a cinema like the Curzon shouldn't be erased. Here goes.

The idea in a nutshell:

An ageing man sits on a stool in a Soho bar. He reflects of the sights and sounds of his life as he faces up to his own mortality. His mental journey is punctuated with iconic film imagery. Firstly Soho themed, and then beyond to encompass the greatest British films, actors and actresses. His short soliloquy conjures up images that will eventually be lost to him. He then looks directly into the eyes of the viewer with and states that whilst his time in due course will come, the living, breathing film heart of London; the Curzon Soho, can be saved from being reduced to rubble by the Crossrail 2 development. He implores you to do your bit by signing the online petition. Save the Curzon and keep Soho alive.

A sketch of the possible detail:

An ageing man, very Bohemian looking, sits at a bar. Instantly it’s recognisable as a Soho watering hole. Think of the Colony Room.
He holds a pint of beer. First he takes in its hoppy bouquet. Then he takes a mouthful and savours every ice cold fluid ounce as well as exploring every single distinct facet of its rich and full flavour palette. Like a man who knows every moment is precious and time is running out.

Amidst all the curios and artefacts that give the bar its personality there is an old home projection screen behind him. It begins to flicker into life. He now talks directly into the camera.

“I’ve walked every square inch of these streets. They echo with memories…”

As he retreats into the theatre of his mind we see scenes from films that capture Soho streets in all their rich detail. We see Soho portrayed in films like Peeping Tom, Night and the City, The Hunchback of Soho, Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, Love Is the Devil, Absolute beginners, The Look of Love, Alfie and Mona Lisa.

“I’ve met people who have enriched my life beyond measure..”

As this happens the screen changes to reveal clips of actors and actresses whose roles have embodied Soho and swinging London. This includes the likes of Michael Caine, Oliver Reed, David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, Phil Daniels, Gemma Arterton, Idris Elba, Keith Allen, Sienna Miller, Steve Coogan etc

“But my memories are soon to fade…”

The film clips begin to flicker and start to fade..

“You can’t save my film experiences but you can save the Curzon Soho. Perhaps the greatest cinema London has ever seen will be reduced to rubble by developers building Crossrail 2 unless enough people are prepared to stand up and stop the destruction. Sign the petition that will be delivered to the Crossrail developers and the Mayor of London. Do it now..”

The man then savours another sensuous mouthful of beer.

“The Curzon Soho is more than a cinema. It’s a palace of memories. Don’t let them take that away from us and future generations..”

He then turns, and by the magic of cinema is now sitting in a Curzon cinema seat. We close in on his face. Film images are now playing out across his rapt face. He looks on in wonderment as the bright, vivid dance across his features. They showcase a selection of great British films, actors and actresses; Trainspotting, Get Carter, Four weddings and a Funeral, Kes, Hunger, The long Good Friday, Local hero, Love Actually etc etc.

We close on a shot of the Curzon screen itself with the online petition address on the screen - you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-curzon-soho – “Save the Curzon and keep Soho alive”

9 years, 11 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

In the circumstances, why not just post it here and if anyone picks it up, or you inspire someone to take a slant on it, then that's winners all round :)