Reviving the Metro: A Star-Studded Effort to Resurrect an Iconic Upper West Side Theater

After nearly two decades of failed attempts, a landmark Upper West Side movie theater may finally be resurrected, thanks to a new proposal from a potential buyer and the support of several renowned figures in the film industry. The independent film producer Ira Deutchman is leading the charge, along with Adeline Monzier, the U.S. representative of the French film promoter Unifrance and a programmer at the Metrograph, a Lower East Side theater.

Bringing Back the Magic of the Metro Cinema

A Nonprofit Effort to Revive a Beloved Landmark

The duo has formed the Upper West Side Cinema Center, a nonprofit corporation, whose website lists several high-profile advisers, including Martin Scorsese, Ethan Hawke, and John Turturro, as well as Bob Balaban, Griffin Dunne, and the "American Psycho" director Mary Harron. The group's goal is to reopen the former Metro Theater, which closed its doors in 2005, and transform it into a vibrant cultural hub known as the Metro Cinema Center.The proposed plan includes a five-screen theater dedicated to art house releases, classic film screenings, and special events. Additionally, the center would feature an education center and a cafe, catering to the diverse interests and needs of the local community.

Addressing an Underserved Audience

The Upper West Side, once a thriving hub for art house theaters, has seen a decline in such offerings in recent years. With the closure of the Metro Theater, the area has become increasingly underserved when it comes to the types of films and programming that the proposed Metro Cinema Center aims to provide."This is a really underserved audience that is in a community that clearly has an interest in the kinds of movies we're talking about," Deutchman said in an interview, highlighting the potential for the new venture to fill a significant gap in the local entertainment landscape.

Navigating the Challenges of Reviving a Closed Theater

The path to reviving the Metro Theater has not been an easy one. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous failed attempts to reopen the iconic venue. However, Deutchman's proposal, with its strong backing from industry heavyweights, appears to be the most fully developed plan to date.According to Manhattan borough president Mark Levine, the estate of the former owner has yet to engage a broker for the sale, leaving the door open for Deutchman's team to potentially secure the property. Levine also mentioned that there are two other parties interested in the space, but Deutchman's proposal seems to be the most comprehensive and promising.

Bringing Together a Powerhouse of Advisers

The involvement of renowned figures like Scorsese, Hawke, and Turturro as advisers to the project adds significant weight and credibility to the proposal. Their expertise and influence in the film industry could prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of reviving the Metro Theater and ensuring its long-term success.Representatives for Scorsese and Dunne have confirmed their involvement in the project, further solidifying the star-studded support behind the effort to resurrect this beloved Upper West Side landmark.

A Vision for the Future of the Metro Cinema Center

The proposed Metro Cinema Center aims to be more than just a movie theater. By incorporating an education center and a cafe, the team behind the project envisions a multifaceted cultural hub that caters to the diverse interests and needs of the local community.The focus on art house releases, classic film screenings, and special events suggests a commitment to providing a unique and enriching cinematic experience that goes beyond the typical multiplex offerings. This approach aligns with the Upper West Side's historical reputation as a hub for independent and niche film programming, and the potential revival of the Metro Theater could help recapture that spirit.As the project continues to unfold, the community and film enthusiasts alike will eagerly await the outcome of this star-studded effort to resurrect an iconic Upper West Side institution and breathe new life into the local cultural landscape.