I once visited Fairmont, Indiana to see the hometown where James Dean grew up. The fifties star of only three movies including Rebel without a Cause, died tragically before any of his films hit the big screen. It was a life-altering experience as I even visited his grave site.
When I moved to Los Angeles, I made it a point to visit locations I'd seen in my favorite movies. To most, theyre just points on a map random intersections you pass on your way to work. But for movie geeks like myself, they mean much more. These landmarks are actual locations seen in classic movies. (And some really bad movies too.) By treading the same ground where these films were shot, it offers a way for film freaks like myself to connect with the movies that moved me. This list is a collection of some of my favorites along with where to find them.
Griffith Observatory 2800 East Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
As seen in: Rebel Without a Cause, The Terminator
The world famous Griffith Observatory is a dramatic location already and made even more so by the knife fight that James Dean got into just outside this landmark. Arnold showed up buck naked, fresh from the future before killing some punks for their clothes.
Bonus TV Landmark: The entrance to the Batcave from the Adam West 60s TV show version of Batman is located in Griffith Park itself and only accessible by hiking. (But its not that far.)
The Dresden Room 1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, 90027
As seen in: Swingers
The Dresden Room featured the musical stylings of the duo of Marty and Elaine and played host to Jon Favreaus awkward dealings with the ladies in Swingers. Money!
Bonus Landmark: Be sure also to visit the diner that Fav, Vince Vaughn and company frequented, the 101 Restaurant located on Los Feliz Boulevard just east of the entrance to the 101 freeway.
Far East National Bank - LA Shootout in Heat 977 North Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 as well as 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
As seen in: Heat
Its true what comedian Dane Cook has said about men. More than having sex, most men would like to be part of a heist just like the one from Heat. Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro starred in this manly cops and robbers epic directed by Michael Mann. It was shot entirely on location in Chinatown in downtown LA.
The 110 Freeway Tunnel From the heart of Los Angeles, or from the valley, just get on the 110 Freeway traveling north or south.
As seen in: Back to the Future part II, Blade Runner
The 110 was one of the first freeways constructed in the United States which explains why the road is so narrow. The futuristic looking tunnel seen briefly in Blade Runner and Back to the Future part II is just the reliable 110. Add some dramatic lighting and it does have a futuristic feel to it. Everytime I drive through this tunnel, I think of those movies.
Musso and Franks 6667 Hollywood Blvd.,Hollywood, CA 90036
As seen in: Oceans 11 and more.
This classic Hollywood steakhouse has been around since 1919 and has appeared in a number of films including Oceans 11 and The Coen Brothers The Man Who Wasnt There. Which, unfortunately, not a lot of people saw. Theres a lot of history at this restaurant as so many Hollywood legends made it their second home. Raymond Chandler actually wrote The Big Sleep in the eatery. True story.
Manns Chinese Theater 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
As seen in: Charlies Angels and countless others.
This historic theater was a landmark even before it appeared in Charlies Angels. Try comparing your shoe size to those of your favorite celebs. My feet are bigger than Jack Nicolson's.
La Brea Tar Pits 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
As seen in: Volcano
Tommy Lee Jones is a city worker who battles a deadly volcano in a film titled, oddly, Volcano. The lava pours onto Wilshire and begins its rise from the La Brea Tar Pits. A great landmark to visit as it conveniently already has a museum and a gift shop.
Bradbury Building - Downtown LA 304 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
As seen in: Bladerunner
Its one of the few recognizable buildings in futuristic Los Angeles of 2014 just 8 years from now.
Mulholland Drive Mulholland Drive
As seen in: Mulholland Drive
David Lynchs weird (when are his films not weird?) exploration of, uh, not sure, but its set in LA and much of it happens on Mulholland Drive.
The Hollywood Sign Located way up in the Hollywood Hills
As seen in: Earthquake and any one of a 100 movies.
If Los Angeles is being attacked or otherwise destroyed, the Hollywood sign is there to remind you exactly where you are. The best part is that its so easy to find, just center yourself somewhere north of Wilshire and look toward those mountains, theyre in the north. See it?
Griffith Observatory is also put to excellent use in The Rocketeer, you know. That's what I think of whenever I hear about the Griffith -- it's where the Rocketeer blasts off to battle Nazis aboard their touring zeppelin. Good stuff.
sgwrit said:
Griffith Observatory is also put to excellent use in The Rocketeer, you know. That's what I think of whenever I hear about the Griffith -- it's where the Rocketeer blasts off to battle Nazis aboard their touring zeppelin. Good stuff.
The tunnel used in Blade Runner and many many videos and films is actually the 2nd street tunnel under Bunker Hill between Figueroa and Hill.
Blade Runner was set in the year 2019 not 2014.
I had lunch once at the little cafe in central California that is just down the highway about a half mile from where James Dean was killed and they have a memorial for him there. Really makes you think about how one second can alter your future in a drastic ways.
I went to the Dresden one night and managed to scope out the same table they sat at in the movie. Marty and Elaine were great. Also, randomly, Jeremy Piven was there. Someone at our table asked our waitress for her phone number and got shot down.
Chris_Gore
Los Angeles, CA
September 2005
AUG 15, 2006 12:08 PM