The machines of steampunk invade the Clinton Street Theater every year for Valentine's Day weekend, adding flavor to Portland's already quirky image. The festival features vendors, speakers and performances that all revolve around the steampunk genre, but the star of the show is the movies. Each film is either in the genre, such as Andrew Jones' "Doctor Glamour," or serves as inspiration for the movement, such as 1925's "The Lost World." The two-day event started in 2009 as a calendar counterweight to Portland's largest annual steampunk festival, GEAR Con, taking place in July. Events are scheduled from mid-afternoon to late night, with a break for dinner.
Steampunk took a piece of the term cyberpunk for itself. Each is a science fiction sub-genre that deals with a distopian breakdown of society, and each concerns technology. While cyberpunk centers around futuristic computer technology, steampunk features machines of the industrial revolution come to life. The films take place in an alternate reality where antiquated machines have personified, achieving high levels of sophistication. Often, the backdrop is incredibly stylized. Popular settings include the Wild West, Victorian-era England or a post-apocalyptic future that relies on steam for energy. You may have seen hints of influence in the 1999 Will Smith film, "Wild Wild West."
The Clinton Street Theater opened its doors in 1915, and they have never closed. The theater operates as a business and as a group enhancing the culture of Portland through independent films and live events. The theater aims to create a welcoming environment where people can be themselves, which makes the venue ideal for the quirky Steampunk Film Festival. The building is a bit cramped and the sound system can be faulty, but it adds to the quaint, antiquated feel -- perfect for the genre.
Cabs charge an exorbitant fee for airport pickups at PDX, about 20 minutes northeast of the city, and the train doesn't stop anywhere near the theater. Rent a car or save money by taking the train into the bike-friendly city to rent a bike, despite the weather. It'll likely be overcast and drizzly with a temperature in the 40s. Cover that steampunk outfit in a waterproof jacket, get there early to score a seat and don't be afraid to introduce yourself as an alter ego. That's what Clinton Street Theater is all about. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
