Hollywood on the Potomac: When Tinsel Town Takes a Trip to D.C.
Ah, Washington D.C. The land of power suits, political intrigue, and...wait for it...movie magic! That's right, our nation's capital has been the backdrop for countless films, from thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat to rom-coms that make you believe in happily ever after (or at least happily getting re-elected). So, grab some popcorn (and maybe a congressional hearing C-SPAN snack mix for that extra D.C. flair), and settle in for a whistle-stop tour of some of the most iconic movies filmed in the shadow of the Washington Monument.
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| What Movies Were Filmed In Washington Dc |
From the White House Lawn to the Big Screen: Political Picks
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): This classic tale of a naive but idealistic young man taking on the political machine is practically required viewing for anyone who wants to understand the underbelly of D.C. (Though, for a more realistic portrayal, maybe add in a scene where the idealistic young man gets stuck in rush hour traffic on the Beltway.)
- All the President's Men (1976): Dust off your trench coat and fedora for this thrilling docudrama about the Watergate scandal. Woodward and Bernstein? More like Woodward and Wardrobe Malfunction, because let's face it, those suits are a fashion crime.
- Independence Day (1996): Who you gonna call? Not the Ghostbusters! When a giant spaceship decides to park over the Lincoln Memorial, it's up to Will Smith to save the day. Though, with all that laser light action, you gotta wonder how they managed to keep the tourists away.
Beyond the Beltway: D.C.'s Diverse Delights
- The Exorcist (1973): Georgetown may be known for its charming cobblestone streets and trendy boutiques, but this demonic possession flick will have you thinking twice before buying that cute Ouija board from that quirky antique shop.
- Forrest Gump (1994): Run, Forrest, Run! From the reflecting pool to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, this heartwarming (and sometimes hilarious) story takes you on a journey through American history, Forrest Gump style. Just try not to trip over Jenny on the way.
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014): This action-packed superhero flick proves that even Captain America isn't safe from budget cuts. Seriously, those S.H.I.E.L.D. uniforms look suspiciously like they came from the bargain bin at the Army surplus store.
So there you have it! Proof that Washington D.C. isn't all just gridlock and gridlocked politicians. Next time you're flipping through channels and see a scene with the Washington Monument in the background, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of D.C.'s silver screen history.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How to be a D.C. Movie Buff:
- Brush up on your American history: Knowing a little something about Watergate or the Vietnam War will definitely help you appreciate the political thrillers.
- Take a walking tour: There are plenty of tours that will take you to the iconic filming locations around D.C. Just be prepared to dodge selfie sticks.
- Host a D.C. movie marathon: Invite your friends, whip up some Capitol Hill chili (recipe not included, but bonus points if you can find one that involves lobbying), and settle in for a night of cinematic fun.
- Write your own D.C. screenplay: Who knows, maybe you'll be the next Spielberg (or at least the next Tyler Perry).
- Learn some political jargon: Being able to drop terms like "filibuster" or "pork barrel spending" will make you sound like a real D.C. insider (even if you have no idea what they actually mean).
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