Sunday Afternoon at the Cinema

I've wanting to see The Artist for weeks now and with a free afternoon this Sunday, we headed off to the Art Deco beauty of the Rivoli Cinema Complex in Camberwell.

Exterior of the Rivoli Cinema, Camberwell Rd, Camberwell

The Rivoli Cinema was originally opened on the current site in October 1940 and was designed by noted Melbourne cinema architects Taylor & Soilleux. The interior was innovative in its design with a large, split-level auditorium seating a total of 1644 people (circle & stalls); an open-air roof garden;  toilet facilities, milk bars providing refreshments; concealed lighting; and an extensive lounge.





The roof-top bar & garden.

The Rivoli was one of the few Melbourne cinemas to survive the post-war decline in patronage, and while it has undergone two major renovations in its time, many of the distinctive Jazz Moderne and Streamlined Moderne elements remain.

The Rivoli's art deco staircase and floating ceiling.

As you can see, the Rivoli was the perfect setting to see The Artist but I'm afraid say the film didn't quite live up to my expectations. The surround sound in our cinema was on the fritz and we could hear explosions from the film next door, making it difficult to become absorbed and it detracted greatly from our viewing experience. I think it may need another viewing when it's released on DVD...



How was your weekend?



-Tamara