This post was updated Aug 7 at 7:18 p.m.
Two hours before the movie even began, hundreds of excited moviegoers were lined up to see “The Odyssey” at the newly renovated Fox Westwood Village Theater.
Rebranded as the Directors Village, the historic theater temporarily reopened earlier this summer with screenings of classic films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” as part of its Ultra Cinematheque 70 Fest – celebrating 70mm filmmaking in the month of July. The over-1,000-seat movie palace at 961 Broxton Avenue is operated by Los Angeles-based nonprofit American Cinematheque, in a partnership agreement with the Village Directors Circle, a collective of filmmakers brought together to lead the reopening of the theater. The collective includes “The Odyssey” director Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas whose 70mm three-week run of “The Odyssey” began July 17 and raised funds for the theater’s fall renovation and restoration.
The theater’s opening – and its three-week run of “The Odyssey” – drew crowds back to the theater, bringing long lines and sold-out screenings until its final showing Friday. The theater, which shuttered in 2024 before being acquired by the Village Directors Circle, is set to close for renovations in the fall before it reopens in 2027.
“I had forgotten how beautiful the theater was and how historic this theater was,” said Aaron Ruiz, a UCLA alumnus. “Just being back was a really cool experience, especially to see such a big film, such as ‘The Odyssey.’”
[Related: Film review: Christopher Nolan’s new film is an ‘Odyssey’ worth the adventure]
Ruiz, who graduated in 2025, said he was excited that people are investing resources into renovating the theater.
As visitors walked through the glamorous lobby and into the grand theater, they were greeted by gold sculpture in the staircase and ceilings with intricate designs. Architecturally, the theater’s opulence distinguishes itself from commercial theaters like the AMC at the Westfield Century City mall or even the AMC at Universal Studios.
Before the screenings started, many moviegoers paused to observe the costumes from Nolan’s film that were on display in the atrium outside of the theater. Some of the costumes included were Telemachus’ armor and Penelope’s dress – worn by actors Tom Holland and Anne Hathaway, respectively.
LA local Jessica Castellanos said she chose the Westwood screening because she enjoys supporting local independent theaters.
“It’s very nice to learn about the history of all these vintage movie theaters,” Castellanos said. “It’s definitely different than going to your AMC.”
Upon the screening’s completion, dozens of fans lingered outside the theater to discuss the film.
Adrian Hurtado said that he was looking forward to returning to the theater once the renovations are complete. He added that he’s excited about the movie theater experiencing a revival.
“It brings back that childhood memory of going to my dad, just buying tickets at the window and finding your favorite seats,” Hurtado said. “Seeing it fully packed for the first time is kind of nice. It’s coming back.”
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