tinseltown, stumptown
With the hubbub surrounding the filming of The Hunted in our fair city, you’d think it was the first time a movie has been shot here. Think again, buster, because the Portland area has been home to many a movie–some excellent, some so-so, and some not worth the celluloid they’re printed on. Here’s a handful (sans the obvious Van Sant references):
Batman Forever (1995)–Yes, the Val Kilmer installment in the Caped
Crusader, post-Burton era of crap had a scene shot at the Corbett Hill Circle.
Body of Evidence (1993)–Not even Willem Dafoe could raise this movie
above its status as Madonna’s soft-core Basic Instinct rip-off.
Brain Smasher…A Love Story (1993)–Andrew “Dice” Clay and Teri Hatcher
star! Featuring a stunt where the Dice Man and the Former Miss Lane jump off
the Galleria skywalk onto a passing Max train.
Hear No Evil (1993)–This has one of the worst titles I can think of
for a Marlee Matlin film. The opening murder/robbery scene was filmed at Lewis
& Clark College’s Manor House.
Men of Honor (2000)–Old Town became Harlem for this Robert De Niro/Cuba
Gooding, Jr. drama. It was called Navy Diver during filming, which must not
have tested well in Middle America.
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)–Grant High School was home for this tearjerker
featuring Richard Dreyfuss, William H. Macy and Alicia Witt (best known as “Alia”
in David Lynch’s Dune).
Pay It Forward (2000)–Apparently a “bridge scene” from this two-hour
cure for insomnia was shot here.
Short Circuit (1986)–Who can forget the lovable piece of military
hardware known as Johnny 5, or the theme song by El DeBarge?
The Temp (1993)–A post-“Twin Peaks” and pre-“The Practice” Laura Flynn
Boyle stars with Timothy Hutton in this Fatal Attraction-meets-temp agency vehicle.
Zero Effect (1998)–Surprisingly decent Sherlock Holmes homage starring
Ben Stiller and Bill Pullman. Written and directed by first-timer Jake Kasdan
(son of Lawrence). Murray Cizon