Screentime: Nick Porter, General Manager, Westin Beijing Chaoyang
"Screentime" is a regular magazine column in which we ask Beijing personalities to tell us about the films and television shows that have left an indelible impression on them.
Have you ever walked out of the movie theater?
I have never walked out of a cinema, but I recently ejected the DVD of Antichrist about ten minutes into the film. Lars von Trier is a master of dark emotion, which I usually like, but the scene of a 3-year-old boy stepping out of a 4th-story window made me reach for the remote.
What’s the TV series or movie that you haven’t been able to find on DVD?
The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle. Let me know if you come across it.
What movie can you recite the most lines from?
Pulp Fiction, probably. Most memorable quote moment: eating breakfast in a diner in Las Vegas with a friend, who asked me if I’d like some of his bacon – perfect opportunityto respond “No, man, I don’t dig on swine.” Best of all was that the guy at the next table heard it, broke out in a big grin and gave a conspiratorial wink. It’s an insider thing.
Is there a literary adaptation that works better as a movie than as a book?
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; I wouldn’t say the movie is better than the book, but it definitely does the book justice. Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro are in my opinion the only actors who could have pulled it off. Both became great friends of Hunter S. Thompson (the author) during the research and shooting of the film, until the Gonzo’s death a few years ago.
What was the first pirated film that you saw?
A Clockwork Orange. The film was banned in the UK for decades, only available on pirated VCR tape.
What’s the last movie that made you cry?
Seven Pounds, the final scene where Woody Harrelson meets Rosario Dawson. An unexpected teardrop, but the mark of a very well-made emotional drama. Apparently the film was ripped apart by the critics.
Who is the best cartoon dog?
Great question. Scooby Doo, where are you?
What was your favorite movie when you were a child?
The Great Escape. Steve McQueen’s legendary motorbike chase, jumping the barbed wire fence. He did the stunts himself. What a legend.
Favorite film musical?
My favorite music film would have to be The Blues Brothers. Great R&B, and the pork pie hat and shades image is iconic.
What movie are you sick of people saying to you: “What?! You haven’t seen it?”
I must be one of the few people who never watched Star Wars.
Favorite sports film?
Fire in Babylon, a documentary about the rise of the West Indies cricket team in the ’70’s and ’80s. Great story of underdogs who revolutionized the game. Also an interesting insight into how West Indian culture and music became popularized in the UK during the same period.
What’s the best TV show theme song?
Hawaii Five-0. Nostalgic, big brass sound. Hard to sit still when it plays.
Click here to see the December issue of the Beijinger in full.
Photo courtesy of Westin Beijing Chaoyang
