But there are times when those polished Hollywood-studio stories just won't do. Below are some nonmainstream options that play movies from bygone eras, or those with an artier bent. Consult the L.A. Weekly to see what's playing when you're in town.
Film festivals are another great way to explore the other side of contemporary movies.
In 1998, the festival became Los Angeles's largest, with 31,000 audience members. Events highlighting a specific individual are usually accompanied by at least one in-theatre audience QA session with the honoree. This is the place to come to see interesting independent art films with something to say. There's often a selection of gay-themed movies. This silent movie shrine for over 60 years was itself silent following the tragic murder, in 1996, of the longtime owner.