#WeAreQFT Chris Beattie
09 April 2020
We return to our loyal customers with this edition of #WeAreQFT. Chris Beattie tells us about the joys of going to the cinema and which Linklater soundtrack can beat Tarantino.
You are stuck at home and your favourite cinema is closed. What five films do you watch?
In no particular order:
Inglorious Basterds (2009): My favourite Tarantino film. The scene where Hans Landa orders Shossana the glass of milk makes me tense up every time.
Rear Window (1954): Spoofed countless times but this is classic Hitchcock.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982): A classic high school, coming-of-age film from Amy Heckerling. It is hilarious and has a cast including Nic Cage, Forest Whitaker and Sean Penn as a stoner/surfer who steals the show.
The Untouchables (1987): If you can get past Sean Connery’s horrendous ‘Irish’ accent (it’s essentially Sean Connery speaking normally) it is great.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952): If I’m stuck at home, cosying up on the sofa, this will make me happy.
What three words would you use to describe QFT?
Cool, Welcoming, Vintage.
What is your earliest cinema-going memory?
I remember being brought to go see The Lion King (1994) when I was about 4 – the screen seemed like it was about 100 feet tall to me!
What film do you dislike that everyone else loves?
Gladiator (2000): A few friends of mine really hate me for this but Russell Crowe just doesn’t do it for me. And it’s far too long.
What is your guilty pleasure film?
Jurassic Park (1993): Say what you like, but this is the film that made me fall in love with cinema. The effects still stand up, it’s pure cinematic adventure from Spielberg and full of heart-stopping moments.
What is your favourite film soundtrack?
It’s a tough call but I’d say Dazed and Confused (1993) just about pips Pulp Fiction (1994) for me. Alright, alright, alright.
What is the best thing about going to the cinema?
The whole atmosphere and build up, from standing in the queue for tickets, the buzz around the foyer, that hush as the darkness falls over the audience and the film begins. It’s just pure escapism. That being said – I cannot figure out for the life of me why people pay out the money to go to the cinema and then talk the whole way through it!
Who is your favourite film villain?
Very tough one, but John Doe in Seven (1995) comes to mind – so meticulous.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Michael Cera. Closest to looks and personality apparently.