As the host of the podcast Talk Easy, Sam Fragoso has conducted long-form interviews with...every famous person we can think of. Our question to Fragoso, an avid cinephile, was, well, an easy one: What are the best places you’ve gone to the movies?
Less“This is a dream come true for the Tarantino fanatic, featuring 35mm prints. I came for Almodóvar and Godard and loved it every time. Tickets and concessions are reasonably priced. After the screening, take a photo in front of the marquee, and walk down the street for a margarita at El Coyote.”
“The Metrograph has great, diverse programming and a beautifully designed theater with a quality bar and restaurant upstairs. You must check out the gift shop for holiday shopping. Nothing tops slinking into Night Moves at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon.”
“When in doubt with out-of-town family, take them here. The new Academy Museum is a cultural institution for all degrees of film lovers. Highlights include the Oscars statues and the wall of women with historic Oscar wins on the fifth floor, including Sophia Loren, Hattie McDaniel, and Buffy Sainte-Marie.”
“Seeing a movie at Hollywood Forever is a summer requirement. The energy at Cinespia, which is run by Alia Penner and John Wyatt, is joyous and unlike any outdoor screening in Los Angeles. Screenings open with a DJ, and the screen is large, making every spot a great view.”
“Tucked away in Pasadena lies the video store you never knew you needed. Lined with posters you’ll want to bring home, Vidéothèque has never not had a movie—no matter how obscure—that I’ve wanted to watch.”
“Attending the premiere of The Master on 70mm at the Lightbox was unforgettable. This is a top-of-the-line film-going experience. I try to do all my Christmas shopping in their gift shop. After your film, have a drink at the lounge or dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby.”
“Quad Cinema puts together some of the best programming of any art house theater. I came for the Ira Sachs retrospective, starting with The Delta. The bar to the left of the lobby is excellent for pre- or post-movie drinks.”
“The Music Box is a classic. It was built in the 1920s, and it stands the test of time. It’s a charming theater featuring the perfect blend of new films and events you need to see. I spent Halloween with my aunt watching The Shining.”
“The Roxie Theater has eclectic programming, friendly staff, and unreasonably tasty popcorn. One of my fondest memories was seeing the double feature of Boogie Nights and The Last Days of Disco.”
“Soon to be the east side’s answer to the New Beverly. Vidiots is run by impassioned cinephiles trying to create a more inviting and inclusive film culture.”