Wexner Drive-In

The Wexner Center always puts on a good show. When my boyfriend Greg and I attended the drive-​in at Wexner to see Lady from Shanghai with Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles, and Everett Sloane, I had my hopes set high.
I love summertime, and I love a good outdoor film. My alma mater always welcomed us back to school with a movie on the tundra, the main section of our campus. They’d wheel in a big screen and a sound system, and students would file out to the lawn carrying lawn chairs and blankets. Heck, the frat boys even carried couches. Against the backdrop of a summer blockbuster, we’d re-​unite with college pals we hadn’t seen for a few months. I loved the ambiance.
Going to the Wexner drive-​in brought back the same sentiments, something I was appreciative of as a recent college grad longing for the college atmosphere.
The sun was setting, and the air was warm with just a slight breeze as Greg and I approached the field with lawn chairs strapped to our backs. We were greeted, then pushed towards the free popcorn table provided by Pam’s Popcorn. We opted for the sweet and salty mix over the plain Jane flavor. It was an intriguing blend of caramel and cheesy corns — sounds gross, but I assure you it was delicious. We found a spot, checked to see how trustworthy our neighbors looked, abandoned our chairs, and joined the long line of people waiting for two free scoops of Jeni’s Ice Cream. I got a scoop of wild berry lavender and a scoop of cucumber. As usual with Jeni’s, the flavors were spot on. I was pleased with both, but I don’t think I’d order the cucumber again.
Greg grabbed a hot dog as we waited for the movie to begin. I noticed Wexner tees were being peddled nearby and promotional Wexner mugs were being given to beer purchasers. As the last glimmer of sunlight faded, the screen switched on and began streaming drive-​in ads from the forties/​fifties era. They were all very cute: cartoon mosquitoes being quaffed by citronella, vendors reminding you to grab some food from the booths, then previews and reviews of upcoming and recent movies like Citizen Kane and The Birds.
I had never seen Lady from Shanghai before. I really enjoyed it. It was a bit slow moving at first. But I laughed a lot, even when that wasn’t the intended reaction. The other movie-​goers were very polite. I usually don’t like going to theatres much because there’s always a lot of chatter and rustling. But even in this laid-​back setting, people were respectful.
Though it was shot in 1947, the ending scene of the movie was visually thrilling. It had everyone talking.
Next to the free, yummy food, my favorite part of the night was looking up and seeing all these fragile fireflies above us. It was almost like Wexner purposely put them there, very romantic.
The only pitfall was our exit. I had brought a can of Dr. Pepper in with me, and by the end of the movie, I had only finished half. The people at the gate made me dump it out for fear I was taking alcohol off the premises. It didn’t make a ton of sense to me, but I understand that they have to cover their butts to avoid any kind of liability.
The 2008 outdoor film season is over for Wexner, but I believe they are showing The Birds outdoors to welcome the OSU students back on Tuesday, September 23. I don’t know if you have to be an OSU student to get in, but I might try to sneak my way past anyway.
At the welcome party there will be free pizza, a silkscreen workshop with local artist Clinton Reno, T-​shirts, a chance to win an iPod nano, music by DJ Ray «Ritmo,» and free admission to the exclusive US showing of the Andy Warhol exhibit: Other Voices, Other rooms. What more could you friggin’ ask for?! Go!