After the Final Curtain

America's Abandoned Theaters

Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
224 Pages
Reviewed on 09/15/2019
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Photographer Matt Lambros can be proud of his photographic book, After the Final Curtain: America's Abandoned Theaters. This lavish collection of pictures shows the conditions of many American theaters after they closed to the public. Built in the 20th century as beautiful and elegant fortresses, they were also called "movie palaces." People could enjoy the show of the day surrounded by magnificent interiors. Over time, it became difficult to fill them, and their lights turned off one after the other. After the Final Curtain offers the rare occasion to visit closed theaters from Massachusetts to California and discover them through pictures and short but informative notes. At the end of this inspiring journey, you will realize that the charm of these places is still intact.

After the Final Curtain: America's Abandoned Theaters is not a frivolous exercise. Lambros aims at awakening public opinion, hoping for restoration and reuse. I now share the same hope. The theaters are different in style, colors, and architecture, but they are all gems. Rediscovering them would have a positive impact on culture and society. When I saw the pictures for the first time, my heart sank. And yet, the powerful impression that these theaters still make despite dust and negligence was surprising. Lambros’ pictures capture the essence of each building and convey a sense of greatness that resists time. Moreover, the high quality of the illustrations reveals how vibrant and colorful these places are. I hope that After the Final Curtain will be the first step in the restoration of such incredible and ignored beauty.