Indie Movies: The Best Indie Theatres in Dallas

'Indie' movies (independent films) are movies that are produced without the distribution power or financing of major movie studios. They range from what some would call boring, to what many call weird, to what might be considered soft pornography.

There is no stereotype for an indie film lover, they come from all socioeconomic backgrounds and share only one trait: they see more beauty in the sometimes simple, sometimes complex realities depicted in independent movies than they do in what Hollywood calls entertainment.

Dallas has three great places for these indie film lovers to congregate and enjoy independent films and these places, like the movies themselves, are a little off-center . . . a little out of the mainstream. These three theatres are all located in North Dallas (north of downtown) and are within five miles of each other.

THE INWOOD THEATRE

5458 West Lovers Lane (at Inwood Road)

Dallas, TX 75209

(214) 764-9106

The Inwood Theater, located near Dallas' Love Field Airport, was completely renovated at the beginning of 2005; it was restored to look like it did in the late 1940's. The theatre has three screens and on them you'll find a mix of the conventional and the unusual. In the lobby you'll find a full-service cocktail lounge (the Inwood Lounge) as well as the more traditional concession stand (Yummy! Popcorn and martinis.).

The Inwood Threatre is considered by the Dallas weekly newspaper, the Dallas Observer, to be the city's "premiere home for independent film and foreign language cinema."

Admission: General Admission: $8.00; Matinee (before 5:00 p.m.): $5.50

THE MAGNOLIA THEATRE

(In the West Village)

3699 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100

Dallas, TX 75204

(214) 764-9106

Five big screens are in operation at the Magnolia Theatre, located in the area of "Uptown" Dallas known as the 'West Village Development' in Uptown Dallas. The Magnolia's decor has been raved about by many magazines and by most Dallas theatergoers. The Magnolia Bar, in the lobby, is sleek and modern and is staffed by expert bartenders. You can, by the way, take your drink into the theatre with you (in a plastic cup).

The Magnolia always seems to have a film festival coming or going, both the Asian Film Festival and the "Out Takes" festival of gay and lesbian movies have been hosted by the Magnolia for the past three years and are being hosted again in 2005.

Admission: General Admission: $8.00; Matinee (before 5:00 p.m.): $5.50

ANGELIKA FILM CENTER & CAFE

5321 East Mockingbird Lane

Dallas, TX 75206

(214) 841-4700

The Angelika Film Center & Café is Dallas' newest indie theatre and, from all indications, might soon be considered it's best. The Angelika features eight state-of-the-art theatres with stadium seating, digital sound and huge, wall-to-wall screens.

The cafe part of the theatre is a treat with a great menu of snacks, sandwiches, espresso, decadent desserts, beer, wine and their signature champagne drink the "Angellini."

Admission: General Admission: $8.00; Matinee (before 5:00 p.m.): $5.50

Check out the movies that are playing at these three theatres by clicking the theatre name. You're sure to find something you'd like to sample and if you go for it you'll probably get hooked on the atmosphere, the people you'll see and meet and on being able to so easily escape from Hollywood's 'cookie-cutter' movie formulas.