When it comes to movies, Kris King is all in.
“Art movies, popcorn movies, gross-out movies, difficult movies, bad movies, sad movies — movies can do no wrong, they are unimpeachable,” said King, who has degrees in English and film studies.
The Portsmouth native cut his cinematic teeth in Hampton Roads movie theaters and video stores. Prior to landing his gig as curator for the Naro Video @ Libraries, he worked as a film programmer at Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn, New York, an independent cinema screening a wide range of films, from 35 mm rarities to contemporary releases.
“We put on screenings, events, festivals and all-night horror movie marathons,” King said, adding, “I made all of the preshow entertainment.”
King said seeing patrons buzz about the Naro Video collection, trading favorites with friends, or browsing with their kids are what excites him most about working with this vast and unique assemblage.
“Films speak a universal language; they foster understanding and connection.”
The movie that made you realize you love movies: More than one movie, it was the frequent trips with my parents to places like Videorama, the Plaza 3 Theatre and the Commodore Theatre in Portsmouth, plus Naro Cinema and Naro Video in Norfolk.
Your favorite way to watch movies: In a tricked-out theater with baller concessions and an analog film projection. No commercials. Ads before previews should be a crime — we've paid already!
Your go-to movie refreshments: Big ol' popcorn, no butter and a large can of beer.
The movie genre you think is most under-appreciated: Horror and exploitation movies offer great insights into culture and history by exploring collective traumas, insecurities and perversions. There are lots of movies about the devil out right now. What's up with that?
If there was a zombie apocalypse and you had to curate a personal Spotlight selection of only five movies from the Naro's collection to watch in your survival bunker, what would they be? “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015); “The Night of the Living Dead” (1968); “Pootie Tang” (2001); “Vertigo” (1958); “Wild Style” (1982)