Movies as a Guide to Real-Life Locations: My Experiences and Discoveries

Introduction

Have you ever felt compelled by a movie to go see where it took place or was filmed, and did you actually go? I can confidently say I have, on multiple occasions. This phenomenon, often experienced by cinephiles and travelers alike, is a testament to the profound impact movies can have on our travel decisions.

Personal Experience in Santa Rosa, CA

Years ago, I had the opportunity to take a brief weekend minivacation to Santa Rosa, CA, on business. As I was planning my route, I noticed on the map that Sebastopol would take me to Bodega Bay. The mere mention of the name made me think of Hitchcock's film The Birds. I decided to visit, and this visit turned out to be a memorable adventure. The timing was perfect; it was early fall, the warmest and sunniest time of the year in Bodega Bay. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even if it was largely unplanned. However, my visit during the summer was much different; it was chilly and overcast, not quite as ideal as I had initially imagined.

New York City: A Special Place

For me, New York City has always been the highlight of such experiences. I have visited several spots that were mentioned in films, but I have to say, Essex below Delancey remains one of the most memorable. This location has appeared in various movies and TV shows, and it provided a great sense of place and immersion in the city's vibe.

Chantilly, France: A Side Trip for a Film Location

Another instance where a movie compelled me to visit a location was during a trip to Paris, France. I decided to make a side trip to Chantilly, France, where the 1987 film A View to Kill had some filming locations. It was delightful to see these places in person, and the small town provided an unexpected but charming change of scenery.

Traveling for Filming Locations: The Case of Tepui

Perhaps the most intriguing experience I've had was visiting a filming location in Venezuela. I learned from travel blogs that the waterfall scene in the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans was filmed at a national park in Venezuela. The experience was breathtaking, with Tepui peaks protruding through a sea of green trees and grasslands, and the waterfalls were even more impressive than Angel Falls. However, it's worth noting that the movie might not have been entirely filmed there. The claims are made only by a tour guide and travel bloggers who were told by their guides that the location was authentic.

Welsh Seaside Town: Silent Film Filming Locations

I have also visited several places in my small Welsh seaside town and surrounding areas, where several vintage films were filmed. Just 100 meters from my house, the scenes from two silent films from the early 20th century were shot: The Life of Charles Peace (1905) and The Poachers (1903). Visiting these spots offers a fascinating look at how much movies can impact local tourism and culture.

Conclusion

Movies can be a powerful tool for inspiration and travel. From Santa Rosa, CA, to Paris, Venezuela, and back to Wales, films have led me to discover new places and experiences. These journeys not only fulfill my love for movies but also enhance my travel adventures. So, the next time you watch a movie, consider the filming locations; you might just decide to visit these places yourself!