10 OF CINEMA’S BEST CAR CHASES
When it comes to car chases in films, there's nothing quite like the excitement and suspense of a high-speed pursuit that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats. From the classic "The Italian Job" of 1969, to the more recent "Baby Driver," these ten filming locations served as the backdrop for some of the most legendary car chases in film history.
The Italian JOB
First on the list, "The Italian Job" (1969) featured a heist and an adrenaline-fueled car chase through the narrow streets of Turin, Italy. The film's director, Peter Collinson, chose Turin for its beautiful architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, which perfectly captured the heart-pounding action of the chase. To add to the dramatic effect, Collinson even filmed the chase at night, creating a thrilling and fast-paced sequence that has become a classic in film history. Oddly enough, the first part of the high-speed pursuit, the cars raced through the narrow tunnels of the Sowe Valley Sewer Duplication system in the English Midlands.
Mad Max
The 1979 film "Mad Max," starring Mel Gibson and filmed in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, is famous for its fast-paced car chases, especially the ones where Mad Max chases after Nightrider. If you want to experience the rugged beauty of Australia in a more peaceful way, consider taking a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, which runs along the coast of Victoria. This route offers breathtaking views of the ocean and some of the best sights that Australia has to offer. Whether you're a fan of the film or simply looking for an adventurous trip, the Great Ocean Road is a great destination to explore.
Baby Driver
"Baby Driver" (2017) is a high-speed thrill ride through the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, that will leave you breathless from the first scene. The film opens with a heart-pounding car chase set to the catchy beat of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's "Bellbottoms," with choreography so smooth and precise that it's hard to believe it's not choreographed like a professional dance routine. As the scene progresses, you'll find yourself grinning from ear to ear at the sheer creativity and excitement of the film's opening sequence.
The blues brothers
The 1980 comedy classic "The Blues Brothers" is known for its over-the-top car chases that rivalled the excitement of many action films of the era. The destructive pursuit scenes featured in the film were among the most expensive ever produced for a comedy movie, with over 70 cars used to film the iconic scene in which the Bluesmobile is chased by state troopers through the streets of Chicago. The filmmakers used a combination of Lower Wacker Drive, Daley Plaza, and Lake Street as the filming locations for the exhilarating car chase.
death proof
The car chase scene in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" (2007) is an intense and thrilling sequence that will leave you feeling like you're right there with the characters. While the event in the film took place in Tennessee, the filming was done along highway 246 in California, just west of Buellton and north of Santa Barbara. This wine country drive is known for its breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and award-winning wine, making it the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and memorable trip.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
The 1971 thriller "The French Connection" is renowned for its intense and thrilling car chase scene, which has been rated among the best in cinematic history. The scene features an iconic pursuit as detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, played by Gene Hackman, chases a speeding train down an elevated rail line to catch a rogue hit man aboard. The majority of the chase scene was filmed on the elevated tracks above Stillwell Avenue, 86th Street and New Utrecht Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. This location offers a unique perspective of the city and provides a backdrop for an adrenaline-packed and action-filled sequence that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Bullitt
The 1968 action thriller "Bullitt" features an adrenaline-pumping car chase through the streets of San Francisco that has been recognized as one of the best in film history. Star of the film Steve McQueen did almost all of his own stunt driving in a Ford Mustang GT 390, making the scene all the more exciting and intense. The chase scene was carefully choreographed and features McQueen expertly maneuvering through steep streets and tight corners, making it a must-see for any fan of action movies. If you're looking for a thrilling and exciting experience, this scene is the ultimate example of what a car chase should be.
ronin
The 1998 film "Ronin" is known for its thrilling and adrenaline-pumping car chase scenes that showcase the skills of legendary director John Frankenheimer. The action takes place on the streets of Paris, where 300 stunt drivers were used to create the intense car chases that are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. One of the memorable scenes features Robert De Niro's character driving past the iconic Grande Arche de la Defense, a landmark that serves as a symbol of modern Paris. This beautiful and exciting city made for the perfect backdrop for the car chase scenes in "Ronin."
smokey and the bandit
"Smokey and the Bandit" (1977) featuring Burt Reynolds is known for its iconic car chase scene, where the Bandit drives a Trans Am filled with illegal Coors Beer across state lines, evading the highway patrolmen in hot pursuit. The chase scene was filmed in Georgia, specifically near the towns of Helen, Cumming, and Jonesboro. The scenery in the film is breathtaking, and if you're a fan of old-school cars and action-packed chase scenes, this is a must-watch. And if you're in the area, be sure to check out the charming Alpine village of Helen, which serves as a backdrop for the film's scenic shots.
gone in 60 seconds
"Gone in 60 Seconds" (2000) is a thrill-loaded car chase that begins with a high-stakes heist of a rare 1967 Mustang named Eleanor. The car's new owner, Randall "Memphis" Raines, finds himself pursued by detectives and police as he races through the crowded streets of Long Beach, California. The action-packed pursuit culminates in a heart-pounding jump over a traffic jam on the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a truly thrilling and memorable moment in cinematic history.
Car chase scenes have been a staple of movie history since the early days of cinema. These high-speed pursuits have been featured in a wide variety of genres and have entertained audiences for years. From "The Italian Job " to "Baby Driver," these intense and thrilling scenes offer an excitement and adrenaline rush that is unmatched in the movie-going experience. As technology has advanced, the realism and production values of these scenes have only increased, leading to even more thrilling and immersive experiences for audiences. Whether you enjoy the classics or the modern blockbusters, there's no denying the thrill and excitement of a great car chase scene. And with so many iconic films to choose from, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping scenes to enjoy. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
