Why these movies are a window to the world
With little else possible last Sunday due to the Wicklow rain, I found myself, for sentimental reasons, digging out my DVD of The Bridges of Madison County and indulging myself – window blinds closed to the world and the weather – for a couple of hours. It was bliss. Yes, I know it’s overly sentimental at times, but it’s also very engaging, with a storyline that is both uplifting and heart-breaking. Although made in the 1990s, it is, essentially, an old-fashioned film, with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep both terrific in the lead roles.
And I love the landscapes, the scenery from what is, in reality, Iowa’s Madison County, a part of the States that I have never actually seen, but which I always vow to visit every single time I watch this movie. The rolling farmland, the lush pastures and, of course, the stunning covered bridges that are central to the film, and also to the real-life landscape of Madison County. The specific bridge that is so vital to the film’s narrative is actually Roseman Bridge, located near the town of Winterset, a one-horse town of a place that features in the movie but which also has an even more famous boast – it’s where John Wayne was born.
Watching a film can transport you to another place, and so, as we find ourselves at the end of the summer holiday season, it’s perfect escapist therapy. Watch a movie and dream of being there. Or, even better, watch a movie, make a booking – and make it real. There are hundreds of movies where the location itself is one of the stars. Here are six that are guaranteed to whet your appetite and give you a feel for the real thing.
THE HORSE WHISPERER
If you’ve never experienced the stunning landscape of Montana, then this is the film for you. The big skies, the stretching-to-infinity landscapes, the sheer untamed beauty of it all – it’s all there. Filmed in southern Montana near the Beartooth and Absaroka mountains, it’s Annie’s journey (Kristin Scott Thomas) across the country and through Montana, compete with damaged horse and damaged daughter, that really illustrates the role of the landscape. It’s more than just a backdrop. It’s one of the ‘stars’ of the film.
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
Thinking of a visit to Jordan? Then grab yourself a preview by watching this old David Lean classic. Although a lot of the film was shot in Spain, the most stunning landscapes are the desert scenes, shot in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. The real thing is breathtaking – and you can easily head there if you are based in Aqaba. This film gives you a feel for what it’s actually like.
THE BLUES BROTHERS
We’re in Chicago. In fact, this cult movie from 1980 is a homage to the city. So you follow the John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd characters, pictured, around the Maxwell Street district and on out to Wrigley Field, the famous home of the Chicago Cubs. At the Palace Hotel Ballroom you’re actually in the South Shore Country Club (now a cultural centre) and the final crash scene takes place at the Daley Centre.
STEALING BEAUTY
Filmed around Gaiole in Chianti, not far from Siena, the Tuscan countryside has never looked more beautiful than in this Bertolucci film. With the late Donal McCann and also Sinead Cusack giving the film a strong Irish vibe, it is still the lovely Liv Tyler and the Tuscan landscape that are the real stars here. Look out for all those rolling hills and that classic giveway that you’re in Tuscany – those distinctive cypress trees.
BEFORE SUNSET
There are so many films with a Parisian backdrop but few of them capture the atmosphere – the je ne sais quoi – of Paris quite like this one. Here the Ethan Hawke/ Julie Delpy love affair is played out as they wander the streets of the French capital. And yes, there are occasional glimpses of recognisable locations but what this film does is something different – it shows you the real city. So this is Paris beyond the Eiffel Tower. And all the better for that.
LA LA LAND
Last year’s winner of six Oscars was, said its producer, ‘a love letter to Los Angeles.’ And there’s no arguing with that. Shot in more than 40 locations across the city, it showcases the likes of Griffith Park, Hermosa Beach, Warner Bros studios, Long Beach, Mulholland Drive, and the historic Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena. LA has never really appealed to me. That changed after seeing the mesmerising La La Land.
Listen in on Thursdays as Ros talks travel with Ivan Yates on The Hard Shoulder, Newstalk 106108fm, 4-7pm. ros.dee@dmgmedia.ie