In the Hamptons we can’t help but make the ordinary extraordinary, and watching movies isn’t an exception. Enjoying films outdoors has been trending this summer, which only makes sense considering most of us are cooped up inside for the majority of the year. What better way to romanticize a movie than watching it like folks did in the old days, at a drive-in or on a blanket under the stars? Watching a film outside can add another element to the movie itself. For example, watching scary movies outdoors increases the level of fear as viewers realize we are completely exposed to the environment around us and every natural sound sets off all sorts of paranoia. Two regular local film series, Films on the Haywall and Hamptons Drive-In, feature outdoor movies throughout the Hamptons summer season. Until Labor Day, Silas Marder Gallery in Bridgehampton offers Films on the Haywall every Friday night at 9 p.m. The free screenings of classic movies by Hamptons International Film Festival take place in an ideal quaint setting for outdoor viewing. Visitors are encouraged to bring some mid-movie snacks and blankets or chairs for sitting in the grass or on the rows of hay bales, which function as rustic seating. The Hamptons Drive-In in Amagansett features a three-story state-of-the-art inflatable movie screen, with professional technicians on site to provide viewers with the highest quality sound. Hamptons Drive-In is unique because they employ all the Hamptons have to offer by varying their viewing locations from Indian Wells Beach to Mulford Farm and Amagansett Square. Shows are free and concessions are available. It's also not unlikely to catch some real Hollywood celebs watching their fellow thespians onscreen. In addition to both weekly film series, The Retreat is holding a special outdoor showing of Steven Spielberg's E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial at Herrick Park in East Hampton next Thursday, August 8 at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. All of the proceeds will benefit The Retreat’s domestic violence services. The organization recommends viewers bring beach chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available. We’re meant to enjoy the beautiful Hamptons summer nights, so trade in your couch for a blanket and your ceiling fan for the stars. See summer schedules for Films on the Haywall and Hamptons Drive-In below. FILMS ON THE HAYWALL SCHEDULE Silas Marder Gallery 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton. (All showings at 9 p.m.) Friday, August 2 9 p.m. - The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming Norman Jewison, United States, 1966 Starring Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint and Alan Arkin Friday, August 9 9 p.m. - The Ghost and Mrs. Muir Joseph L. Mankiewicz, United States, 1947 Starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison Friday, August 16 9 p.m. - Wild Strawberries Ingmar Bergman, Sweden, 1957 Starring Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson and Ingrid Thulin Friday, August 23 9 p.m. - The Grapes of Wrath John Ford, United States, 1940 AA - Best Supporting Actress and Best Director Starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell and John Carradine Friday, August 30 9 p.m. - The Red Shoes Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, UK, 1948 AA - Best Art Direction, Best Musical Score Starring Marius Goring, Jean Short and Anton Walbrook HAMPTONS DRIVE-IN SCHEDULE Phone: 631-771-3146 hamptonsdrivein.com Wednesday, July 31 9 p.m. - Riding Giants Amagansett Square Friday, August 2 (Time TBA) - The Sound Of Music Mulford Farm Wednesday, August 7 7:30 p.m. - Spider Man (2002) Indian Wells Beach Wednesday, August 14 7:30 p.m. - Batman (1989) Indian Wells Beach Wednesday, August 21 7:30 p.m. - Superman (1978) Indian Wells Beach Wednesday, August 28 7:30 p.m. - The Avengers (2012) Indian Wells Beach Friday, September 6 8 p.m. - Madagascar 3 Neighborhood house
