A Trip to Cinematographic Memory
The history of cinema in Reus is rich and diverse, with a large number of films that have left its mark over the years. In a recent conference, Josep Maria Vallès, a veteran designer with half a century of experience, shared his experiences and memories about the cinemas in the city, especially on the legendary Monterrosa.
The beginnings of a passion
Vallès, who began his career in the film world while doing military service at the Air Base of Reus, recalled how he discovered his vocation. ‘From an early age I felt an attraction for cinema,’ he explained. ‘One of my first projects was in Vila-seca, where I worked from Tuesday to Thursday, and the rest of the week in Vilallonga’.
The Mite del Monterrosa
Monterrosa, opened in 1945, was a meeting place for many cinema lovers. Vallès recalls that, in the beginning, the technical conditions were a challenge: ‘The projection cabin was located above the roof, which made the screen sloping’.
Despite the difficulties, Vallès enjoyed his work. “The operator’s figure was often ignored, people recognized the goalkeeper or accommodator, but rarely, until something went wrong,” he said with a nostalgic smile.
A transformation cinema
Vallès recalled key moments of his career, such as the closure of the Monterrosa in 1985, a moment that marked him deeply. ‘I closed him himself with’ El Picó-2 ‘, and I couldn’t imagine that that would be my farewell to the cinema he loved so much.’
Innovations and competition
With the arrival of new technologies such as cinemascope and 3D films, Vallès experienced a period of innovation. ‘I am fondly remembered the first film we screened in 3D,’ Los Crimenes of the Museum of Wax ‘, an event that surprised many’.
The last breath of Reus cinemas
The 1980’s were also a time of political tension, and Vallès recounted how threats affected the program of Monterrosa. ‘I remember receiving a letter with threats for the content of some films. It was a difficult time, but our passion for cinema did not turn off. ‘
The disappearance of a trade
Over time, the designer figure has disappeared. “Now, computer technicians are in charge of everything,” said Vallès. “The knowledge that was transmitted from generation to generation has been lost, and this is a shame.”
Final reflections
Vallès, with a look full of nostalgia, concluded his talk with a message of thanks to those times. ‘Although the world of cinema has changed, I will always keep a special place in my heart for those wonderful years in Reus.’
