This is one of my favorite activities ever in Barcelona during summertime: going to see an open air movie in Sala Montjuic. The opening of the season (usually beginning of July) is also a sign that summer has officially started in the city.
This year’s program is really exciting with a very varied program ranging from Cinema Paradiso to Her and not forgetting The Kid. I want to see half of the planned movies… Alas, I have very limited time and very special guests at home (my parents) so I will probably only be able to go and see one more movie before the end of the season. So what are these open air movies about anyway? Well, during one month, 3 days per week, a selected movie is projected in Sala Montjuic. Sala Montjuic is the back part of the Montjuic Castle, a big open air and grassy space with a cinema screen. In front, there is a stage as a concert always precedes the session. Last friday, there was a band playing jazz and bossa nova. They notably played a cool version of a Mary Poppins’ song. There is a also a short movie before the proper movie. I always try to arrive early to beat the queue and get a comfy foldable chair. For 3 euros the night, this is the secret to a perfect and comfortable night at Sala Montjuic if you ask me.
One other thing I love the most about those nights are that you can bring your own picnic. You gather a nice group of friends, you bring delicious bits and pieces (saucisson, cheese, bread, cherry tomatoes, a couple of bottles of wine) and you enjoy yourselves sharing your little treasures. I like the nice atmosphere that always reigns during these movies.
Of course, the movie is a really really important element too. This year, I was so lucky to be able to watch The Kid in such a nice setting. And as the movie is mute, there was an orchestra accompanying the movie until the end of it. I have always loved the Kid. When I was living in Paris, I used to have a poster of the Kid standing beside Charlie while pointing something out, in my student room. He is so cute, all along the movie I wanted to give him loads of hugs. He is also a great actor for such a young kid. I like the whole movie: the touching story, the humour, the love and tenderness between Charlie and the Kid, the unforeseen development that trouble their simple but happy life. The fact that the movie is in black & white and mute draws me more into the story. They make me fully engaged into trying to understand what is happening. I felt worried when the Kid got sick, I felt outraged when the “villains” came to their apartment to pick him up, I wanted to tell him she is your mum when…. I stop here. Watch the movie, it is highly entertaining!
I enjoyed that night. I left the place light and content of a great ending. Classic movies are so refreshing. I am also happy I had such a great time and so did my friends and father.
The open air movies are still on until August 7th.