The fourth Quote-Along Classic film series runs this Saturday, marking the end of a successful first run for the Victoria Film Festival.
The fundraiser has played to sold-out and nearly sold-out audiences who lined up to see cult comedy classics The Big Lebowski, Pulp Fiction and Anchorman.
“Everyone gets right into it,” said Scott Amos, communications co-ordinator for the Victoria Film Festival. “People just get to yell along, scream along, talk along with the film. There’s something to be said for being surrounded by 200 people who are as into the film as you are.”
The concept involves much more than just participating in the dialogue.
Pre-show contests help to get everyone in a silly mood, including Nintendo Wii bowling, a trident toss, and a twist contest tying into the plot of the first three shows. And, of course, there’s a costume contest with every film, offering a pass to the upcoming film festival for the winner.
Those costumes are another big element of the Quote Along, and some people go all out.
“We had a Mia Wallace (a character in Pulp Fiction) with a syringe hanging out of her chest,” said Amos.
Some people get even more creative, dressing as representations of their favourite lines from the movie, rather than favourite characters. For instance, one came dressed as “Face down in the muck,” a line from The Big Lebowski.
Another came dressed as “When you find a stranger in the Alps.” It’s an inside-joke for Lebowski die-hards, who know the line is a nonsensical dub over, heard only in the sanitized TV version.
The films series takes place in the old Vic Theatre, which has been closed for many years. The opening is due to a rental agreement arranged by Victoria Film Festival director Kathy Kay.
“It’s a really great old theatre,” said Amos. “There was a good layer of dust on things. We’ve had to do a little bit of cosmetic work and a little bit of equipment work.”
Up next, on Dec. 10, is Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Expect many to show up in King Arthur-era garb, and a silly walk contest.
It’s a great time, Amos said.
Unlike during most cinema experiences, which take place in the dark, this series brings a social aspect to the experience, he explained. “It changes the whole dynamic.”