Different Types of Rooftop Guests
At Rooftop Film Club, we’re nothing without our film-loving guests. But, it has to be said, our unique urban environments draw an equally unique array of characters. It’s like a jungle out there, guys. So whether you’re new to the club, or have been before and very likely see yourself in one of these, join us as we take a closer look at some of our favourite rooftop revellers.
The Top Gun Fans
Perhaps our most commonly spotted rooftop reveller: the Top Gun fan. These bros (and honorary bros) move about in packs, and if their aviators didn’t give them away, the frequent displays of high fives and fist pumps certainly will. Arguably the best action flick of the ’80s offers up the ideal opportunity for impromptu serenades and, when not howling along, this group tends to communicate solely in quotes – after all, Maverick and Iceman were the original LADS.
The First Date-ers
A fine spot to observe the dating dance of the 20-somethings, our rooftop cinemas see many a coy couple embark upon that oldest of romantic ritual: the First Date. Most commonly spotted at a rom-com screening (even though one is secretly wishing they were watching something else), these would-be lovebirds are easily recognised by their nervous chatter and the glow of a mild sweat. Our love-seekers also give away a lot by their movie watching habits. Back row seats and excitable whispering? Wahey! Earphones steadfastly on and single servings of popcorn? Better luck next time, guys.
The Drunks
Our rowdiest bunch of guests may come for the experiential cinema, but the draw of a rooftop watering hole is difficult to resist. With flushed cheeks and glassy eyes, you might find them partaking in the social bonding activity that is the film-based drinking game. Larks all round as Ferris Bueller addresses the camera and another beer bites the dust. Suitably tanked up, however, a low-slung deckchair and a cosy blanket can prove a feat too far for our drunken friends. They’re still out cold as the credits roll, catching some z’s under the stars.
The Film Buffs
As movie-obsessives ourselves, it’s no surprise we attract our share of fellow Film Buffs with our artfully assembled programmes. These guys know the score (literally) and pre-screening, you’ll find them vying for alpha filmophile status with competitive trivia exchanges over their G&Ts. Our most serious movie-goers flock to our art-house indie films so they can nod along sagely in all the right places. Look closer though, and occasionally you’ll spot the weakest link of this sensible group glance enviously in The Drunks’ direction.
The Tourists
Usually found faithfully following Google maps, the bolder of tourists can sometimes be spotted atop the finest rooftops fringing the city. Like salmon swimming upstream, they’ve heroically tackled multi-storey stairways in lesser-trodden spots with the promise of alfresco entertainment and views for days at the end. Our intrepid travellers can easily be identified by their smug glows and selfie sticks poised as they realise they’ve achieved the perfect #humblebrag photo op.
The Rooftop Groupies
We’ll admit it: our Rooftop staff are a pretty awesome bunch. So little wonder, then, that a new breed of guest has been discovered – the Rooftop Groupie. Despite us showing some of the best new and classic movies this side of Hollywood, this lusty lot can be recognised by their gaze directed at our bar and cinema staff as well as their far-too-frequent re-runs to the refreshments stand. In a mating ritual of tweets, emails and calls, our amorous guests will make their love known to us, even putting in such requests as “can we see the French guy serving popcorn shirtless?”
