Those who wax nostalgic at the thought of watching a movie at an old-fashioned movie house may soon be able to only do just that.
Michael Lamont, the owner of the Bijou Art Cinemas, known to most simply as the Bijou, says the theater that is one of a kind in Eugene has been experiencing severe financial difficulties lately. If business doesn’t increase soon, Lamont said he believes the Bijou’s screens will darken for good.
“The Bijou lost an important revenue stream when Movies 12 switched from first-run movies to a dollar house,” Lamont said. “Bijou LateNite used to specialize in showing movies fresh out of the theaters. However, when the dollar theater opened, people quickly realized that they could see the same movies at more convenient times.”
The Bijou is located in the historic Wilcox Building at 13th Avenue and Ferry Street. In 1925, then-dean of the University’s school of architecture, W.R.B. Wilcox, designed the structure and oversaw its construction.
Whitewashed walls, arched ceilings and a large open courtyard betray the fact that the building was originally a First Congregational Church. Lamont said the church membership grew too large for the building, and the church moved to its current location on 23rd Street. For the next 20 years, the Wilcox Building served as a mortuary until Lamont leased the main section in 1980 and turned the large, empty structure into the Bijou Art Cinemas.
In an effort to stay competitive, Lamont decided to show cult and classic movies for the late-night showings. He said he hopes this will attract a more eclectic and loyal audience that will keep coming back.
Rose Johnson is one of the people that Lamont hopes to hold onto as a customer. She has been going to the Bijou since she moved to Eugene six years ago, and she said she is saddened by the thought of it closing.
“It is too bad,” she said. “I like the Bijou and the movies they show. It’s the place to see anything that the mall theaters don’t bring in. Besides, I usually enjoy the Bijou movies more than those I see somewhere else.”
Other business owners nearby said they will be affected if the Bijou closes its doors for good.
“The Bijou brings people to our area,” said Dale McDonald, a piercing apprentice at nearby Primal Body Tattoos. “People come to see a movie and then visit us before or after the show.”
Not only is McDonald a fan of the business the theater draws to his shop, he is also a fan of the theater itself.
“I’d hate to see it go,” he said. “It’s my favorite place to go see movies that no one else shows.”
Lamont said the Bijou fills a niche in the movie market by showing films that are not necessarily mainstream fare, but he added that the future looks bleak.
“If people want the theater to stay open, then they need to come see all our movies — twice,” Lamont said jokingly.
But he added: “Seriously, people need to try and remember the Bijou. When looking at entertainment options, don’t forget that the Bijou is here.”