My experience with Repo the Genetic Opera.

I seem to be the exact fit for this movie's target audience, yet I hadn't heard about it. How could such a thing happen? I play roller derby, I'm a fetish model, actor in a local horror-themed television show, medical fetishist, and very involved in the local alternative community, yet I didn't know about Repo. It wasn't actually until a little while ago that I found out about the movie from a friend. Here's the scene.

I'm chatting with a friend online, and he sends me a link to a website. It's the Repo the Genetic Opera site. He tells me we have to go see this movie when it comes out. In fact, he says, I think this movie was made for you. See, I love opera. I love rock. I love the macabre. And I have a bit of a medical obsession. So, as you can imagine, when I saw the clips from the film, I fell in love. This was some time ago, and there wasn't a release date, but all I knew is I MUST SEE THIS FILM. So, I followed the website, watching clips and things and getting more and more excited. Eventually I saw they were doing a road tour. They were stopping in just a few cities. One of those cities was Pittsburgh! YES! This is where I live. Done, I'm seeing this movie. I count down the days, and my excitement grows. Now I talk to all of my friends about it, and no one has heard of it, and no one I know is going, just me and my friend that told me about the movie in the first place. So, I don't think it's going to be a big deal. It's being shown as part of a film festival. The day arrives, and I've decided that I'm going to be a big dork and dress up. I have all sorts of fun medical outfits, so I put together a fetishy nurse Repo-inspired outfit. I figure I'll be the only one dressed up, but who cares, it's fun, and I dress up in ridiculous costumes and such every chance I get. I call the theatre the day of the film to ask what time it's playing, and I found out it's sold out. Panic sets in. This can't be happening. I didn't think anyone had heard of it, let alone a sold out show. Apparently, it sold out a day or so after tickets went on sale. I plead with the lady on the phone, and she says there will be a few spots open, so if you go early you might get in, if you get a spot on this waiting list. So, I get dressed up, go early, and hope for the best.

I arrive at the theatre. I couldn't believe my eyes. The line was around the block, hundreds of people. I walk in to put my name on the list, and they inform me that there is a line to put our name on the list for tickets. I look out, and the line of people waiting was just as long as the line of people with tickets. It was also around the block. And I was not the only one dressed up. There were people dressed up as every character from the film spattered throughout the audience. So I go outside to figure out a plan. Just then Terrance Zdunich come out of the theatre and asks if he can take a photo of me for the repo website. Exciting! This is the writer! So I say, can you get me in? I'd called off work, gotten dressed up, and came down there. I'd followed the website for months. I had to get in! He was actually giving up his seats for fans because there were so many people trying to get in, so there wasn't much he could do. I walked up and down the line and found people with extra tickets. Score! I'm in. Relax.

I saw the film, and, of course, I loved it. But what amazed me more than the movie was the crowd. This was a movie with no marketing at all, but it was sold out. People were dressed up. People were cheering during scenes. People knew all of the lyrics to all of the songs and were singing along. I mean, it was incredible. I'd never seen anything like it. I thought I was a little crazy about it. Hell I dressed up, took off work, etc. But that's nothing. I mean, I live here in Pittsburgh. Later, while waiting in the crowd to get my poster signed, I heard people talking. Some people drove from Ohio. Wow. Then, I heard someone talking that came from Kentucky. Damn, really? Then, I heard someone flew in from Texas. Are you serious? Then, I heard someone flew in from Paris. Yes. Paris, France. All for a movie that no one had seen yet. People were waiting in line with homemade t shirts and gift bags for Terrance and Darren. People were getting things signed, and there were people so nervous they were shaking, and everyone was so damn excited. It was surreal. The atmosphere was amazing. I can see if this movie was made from a famous novel, like lord of the rings, I would expect it. Or maybe a comic book or a remake of an old show, anything. But this was getting this sort of reception and reaction from a film that no one had seen, and it was all an original story. I'm sitting here saying how weird it was, but I can't talk because I was part of that crowd, in costume, waiting for this movie for months. I was part of that excitement and that surreal atmosphere.

The movie did not disappoint either. It had an all-star cast. They all delivered. Sarah Brightman? Who would have thought? I am in love with her character, Blind Mag. I adore her. And it's not just me. After the movie, listening and talking with people, I didn't hear one bad thing said about the movie. People love this film. I love this film. I'm just sad that it's not getting the attention that it deserves in the mainstream. 7 theatres is not enough. This movie needs to open up everywhere. I wish Terrance and Darren the best of luck making this movie a success, despite what all of the critics say. The hard work they put in and the faith they had to pack up and take this movie on tour says something. But what says the most are the sold-out theatres wherever it has been shown. The crowds in costume singing repo songs, waiting for the doors to open. In Pittsburgh, the line of people after the film waiting to buy a poster and have Darren and Terrance sign it and say hello was out the door and around the block in the rain. The line wasn't finished until after 2am. The posters sold out half way through the line, but it didn't stop people. tThey were getting lighters signed, titties, shirts, scraps of paper, anything.

Last night was pretty awesome. I have a new favorite movie.

hugs and bruises,
Mel Practice

	RavenDB 4:24am, November 17, 2008 Sounds like a you had a great time! Glad you got in, everyone needs to see this movie.
	Heather1987 1:35pm, November 17, 2008 Aww damn no pictures of my shirt! :( This is my punishment for not remembering a goddamn camera. (oh wait i have my shitty cell phone one) It was worth waiting in line outside in the rain for an autograph,picture,converstation, hug etc and stuff. Hey to MEL PRACTICE! I was the one who gave you a cigarette! Lol I\'m so glad you are on here, I loved your outfit! Anyways, Darren and Terrance are awesome for staying in the lobby for as long as they did. Thanks guys, you made my geek dreams come true!!! :D <3<3 *hugs*
	Horror_Luva 2:55pm, November 17, 2008 These costumes are awesome! I was so happy last night when I read in the chats that you and Terrance are planning a Repo! Road Tour/Show II. BRING IT TO BOSTON, ALREADY!
	crystalvicious 9:24pm, November 17, 2008 3 out of the 5 of those pics are me and my friends from Boston! Can\'t wait til I can go again in December when its in Boston and not 600 miles away :-p <3 Crystal Vicious/Amber Sweet
	laymness 11:04pm, November 17, 2008 You guys gotta bring the Repo tour to Bufflo, NY! please! I don\'t wanna miss seeing this in the theater
	Chandira 7:05pm, November 20, 2008 So what\'s the rumour about another possible Seattle visit in a few weeks? I\'ll be there!
	protoplasm 6:00am, November 21, 2008 Hi Darren, I attended Repo! yesterday and all I can say is it was fucking fantastic! Cheers from Czech Republic.
	RikkiSixx 3:42pm, November 23, 2008 Carly\'s Tattoo ROCKS!

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