West End Cinema is a theater that will inspire nothing less than fierce admiration or extreme indifference.
It’s an art-house theater that plays host to the more obscure kind of indie flick. The listings are a mix of underexposed films (e.g. Bobby Fischer Against The World) and second-run “big” art-house films (e.g. Beginners).
Despite the new, permanent sign off the street, West End — which is on the corner of 23rd and M streets in Washington — is still hard to find. The interior is an agreeable mix of sleek and clean furniture and an assortment of marquee posters.
The film offerings and your ability to deal with the tiny screens and questionable seating will determine your fondness for the theater. For moviegoers with a more adventurous taste, the place is a godsend.
Last year, West End was the only place in Washington to show Gaspar Noé’s Enter the Void, along with many other celebrated but obscure works, frequently including special introductions recorded by directors and writers.
For those looking for a more mainstream brand of entertainment, West End’s first-run showings will disappoint while the full-priced tickets for the second-run movies will seem exorbitant given the small screens.
Auditorium 1 hosts the biggest screen, and even that is just barely bigger than most home theater setups. Auditorium 1 is also the only screen to have permanent seats. The others have squeaky folding chairs, though they are quite comfortable.
Fortunately, the concessions are more than adequate. The popcorn is freshly popped and topped with real butter (not that synthetic butter-flavored topping used by franchise theaters). They carry the usual assortment of drinks, along with some alcoholic selections and baklava.
Customer service is also great, with an immensely knowledgeable and friendly staff manning the register and concessions stand.
West End, with its quirky lineup, stellar concessions and friendly staff, is the type of theater that breeds loyal customers. Consider it the next time you’re itching for something off the beaten track.
