Savannah, Georgia has always been a popular location for filmmakers. Its gorgeous scenery and historic architecture make it the perfect backdrop for any movie set. Over the years, countless movies have been filmed in Savannah, each showcasing its unique charm and beauty.
The city of Savannah has attracted filmmakers since 1915 when “A Girl of Yesterday” was filmed here. Since then, numerous films have been shot here ranging from small independent productions to multi-million dollar blockbusters. Here’s an insight into some of the most famous movies that were filmed in this beautiful southern city:
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
This is perhaps one of the most famous movies ever shot in Savannah. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Spacey, John Cusack and Jude Law, “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil” is a mystery drama that takes place in Savannah’s historic district during a party thrown by wealthy antiques dealer Jim Williams (played by Spacey), where he ends up being accused with murder charges.
Forrest Gump (1994)
This Oscar-winning classic hit film directed by Robert Zemeckis depicts several iconic locations throughout Savannah’s coastal landscapes as well as landmarks like Chippewa Square where Forrest famously sat on his park bench sharing his story to anyone who would listen.
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Robert Redford directed this epic sports-drama which tells the story about an unlikely friendship between a Depression-era golfer named Rannulph Junuh played brilliantly by Matt Damon and caddy Bagger Vance played Will Smith all against bright green grass fields typical golf courses located just outside downtown savannah along Hwy 80 near Thunderbolt bridge over Wilmington River.
Cape Fear(1962)
This Thriller movie which got remade again later starred Gregory Peck playing lawyer Sam Bowden alongside Robert Mitchum’s portrayal of the seemingly psychopathic Max Cady, heavily features Savannah’s Intracoastal Waterway along Isle Of Hope area including scenes filmed near Wormsloe historic site that gave this movie grittier undertones which have still held up to date on many critics’ lists.
The Conspirator (2010)
Robert Redford returned to his directorial roots nearly a decade forthe filming of “The Conspirator”. This historical drama details
Mary Surratt played by Robin Wright who is the mother charged with conspiring in Abraham Lincoln’s assassination while living and running her boarding house at 606 H St NW in Washington DC. Also filmed some key courtroom scenes locally at Chatham County Courthouse located downtown Savannah.
Glory (1989)
Edward Zwick directed this Civil War Movie in Georgia, featuring a young Matthew Broderick as Robert Gould Shaw leading troops fighting against Confederate soldiers during Battle of Fort Wagner in South Carolina. Many scenes were shot around Jones St., Colonial Park Cemetery, Cathedral Of Saint John The Baptist steps, and other local Historical landmarks found all within walking distance from each other downtown.
Baywatch(2017)
This comedy movie based off TV series about lifeguards starring Dwayne Johnson was also dubbed “Baywatch: Emerald Coast” because it took place there – opposite Tybee Island beach – throughout most filming(which ironically connects via bridge off highway 80). A few locals even got a chance play small roles alongside main cast members for some extra star power!
Larger Than Life(1996)
Bill Murray stars as motivational speaker Jack Corcoran in Larger than Life that also has elephant costar named Vera from circus. Although set mostly across America it weirdly finds its way into savannah scene where he travels back east to save said circus animal caught up inside one savannah property not far from Forsyth park styled mansion.
Savannah is known for its historic landmarks, lush parks and beautiful beaches. These are some of the things that make it such a popular filming location for movies. Whether you’re a fan of romance, comedy or action there’s always something to watch in Savannah. With so many wonderful locations to choose from filmmakers have long found their place within Georgia’s coastline towns making way for more future productions as well as tourists taking notice themselves by coming to explore this rich heritage city and getting insight into where iconic movie moments were once shot on these same streets they are walking today.
In conclusion, any cinema lovers’ trip down south should not be complete without roaming around Savannah even if just to see the recognizable sights that have already played host big budget movies in past few decades!
Savannah, Georgia is not only a charming city but also an iconic filming location that never fails to impress. With its long history and rich culture, it has been attracting filmmakers since 1915. Over the years, movies of all genres have been filmed in the city – from romantic comedies to horror films – each showcasing Savannah’s unique charm and beauty.
One of the most famous movies ever shot in Savannah is Clint Eastwood’s “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil” (1997). Based on John Berendt’s novel with the same name, this mystery drama takes place during a party thrown by wealthy antiques dealer Jim Williams (played by Kevin Spacey) where he ends up being accused of murder charges. This movie heavily features Savannah’s historic district which adds to its eerie ambiance.
Another movie that showcased Savannah’s beauty is Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” (1994). Tom Hanks plays Forrest Gump as a man who recounts his life story while sitting on a bench in Chippewa Square surrounded by Savannah’s coastal landscapes. This iconic scene has become one of the most famous cinematic scenes ever made.
Robert Redford directed two movies in Savannah – “The Legend of Bagger Vance” (2000) and “The Conspirator” (2010). In “Bagger Vance,” Matt Damon plays Depression-era golfer Rannulph Junuh alongside Will Smith as caddy Bagger Vance on lush golf courses located just outside downtown savannah near Thunderbolt bridge over Wilmington River. “The Conspirator” tells the story about Mary Surratt played by Robin Wright charged with conspiring in Abraham Lincoln assassination while running her boarding house at 606 H St NW Washington DC. This historical drama adds emotional depth for how mere association can make us guilty.
“Cape Fear,” originally released in 1962 starring Gregory Peck & Robert Mitchum, was remade in 1991 with Robert De Niro and many scenes prominently feature the wetlands around Isle Of Hope. These marshlands are infamous for their tough muck making this an ideal location to add grittier undertones that have held up on critics’ lists.
“Glory” (1989), directed by Edward Zwick, sheds light on the Civil War set in South Carolina’s Battle of Fort Wagner as seen through Matthew Broderick’s character of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw leading troops fighting against Confederates soldiers. Many scenes were shot locally around Jones St., Colonial Park Cemetery, Cathedral Of Saint John The Baptist steps and more key local historical landmarks found all within walking distance from each other downtown Savannah.
A recent addition to the list is “Baywatch” (2017), a comedy movie about lifeguards starring Dwayne Johnson filmed mostly opposite Tybee Island beach just across bridge off highway 80 dubbed “Emerald Coast” dropping Savannah name entirely even though it technically shows some part played here like taking shots of Forsyth park bench or cobblestone streets for various cafes scenes but still showcasing scenic Georgia coastline views regardless!
Last but not least is “Larger Than Life,” where Bill Murray plays motivational speaker Jack Corcoran who finds life direction after inheriting elephant Vera from lost circus/days gone by. Although this film takes place mostly across America, it interweaves within its plotline one savannah property styled similar to mansion near Forysth park where he saves said circus animal caught up inside fence – portraying beautiful yet often overlooked historic district properties that deserves recognition beyond just being a side note wrapped in major movies themes!
In conclusion, any cinema lover will find joy exploring Savannah’s many filming locations featured films throughout history. This place has everything you could look for when visiting new towns; from luxurious mansions located in charming neighborhoods lined with live oak trees dripping Spanish moss, to beautiful beaches and unique landmarks – all set against Savannah’s historic background. It is no wonder moviemakers have long found their place within Georgia’s coastline towns nor that now tourists are starting to take notice by coming here themselves following these cinematic trails making way for more future productions featuring Savannah. Walk the same streets where iconic movie moments were once shot – it will be an experience you won’t forget!