Film critic says block bookings of Bond movie narrow choice at cinema

Acclaimed movie buff and “artistic advisor” of the Edinburgh International Film Festival Mark Cousins admits he finds Daniel Craig’s latest outing as the suave MI6 agent a bit of fun.

But he says the way Bond hysteria is squeezing other films out of multiplexes has left him feeling licensed to kill.

Yesterday, there were 87 showings of the blockbuster in one day across the city.

He said: “I decided to go see Skyfall and counted how many times it was actually playing here in Edinburgh. The film is fun and people want to see it, but to show it so many times is to narrow our choice.

“We are very lucky to have the Filmhouse and the Cameo, both of which are showing great films at the moment, so maybe the more central multiplexes can be forgiven for their block booking.

“But what about the Vue in Leith and the Odeon in Wester Hailes? They should be showing more of a range for local people.”

He added: “Edinburgh prides itself on cultural diversity – so it should offer more than Bond.”

Skyfall is the third in the franchise to star Craig. It has only been out for a week but has already grossed millions at the box office.

Yesterday, there were 22 showings at The Vue Cinema in Greenside Place, six at the Odeon in Lothian Road, four at the Cameo and 22 at Cineworld Fountainbridge. The Dominion in Newbattle Terrace had three showings, the Vue at Ocean Terminal had 22, and it was on eight times at the Odeon at Wester Hailes.

One usher at the Fountainbridge Cineworld said she was amazed at what she branded “Bond mania”. “I’ve never seen anything like this before for any other film,” said the student who works part-time. “It’s been phenomenal. All of the showings are busy and people just keep coming to see it.”