So here are my top three movies that I think should be remade and set in Portland:
3. French Connection (1971, Dir. William Friedkin)
Portland’s one-way streets, the roads winding up to the Oregon Zoo and Portland Japanese Garden, the esplanade along the Willamette River and the 10 bridges that span the river in or near the city center would make for some first-rate car chases. Portland sightseeing at 100 mph!
The bridges alone should seal the deal. Portland has the world’s only telescoping double-deck vertical lift bridge (Steel), the world’s oldest lift bridge (Hawthorne) and the country’s longest tied-arch bridge (Fremont). Their shadowy undersides would be great for our Popeye Doyle’s “interrogations”.
2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1962, Dir. Blake Edwards)
I’d have to change the title of course, but I think a remake would go really well with Portland shopping areas like downtown and NW 23rd Ave. And the premier Portland restaurants would be a perfect backdrop for our Holly Golightly. Maybe even Gracie’s and The Driftwood Room at Hotel deLuxe.
As for Portland sightseeing ambiance, we can match Edwards’ fantasy New York anytime: the views from atop the US Bancorp Tower, strolls along the waterfront, cups of cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe.
1. Singing in the Rain (1952, Stanley Donen)
Obvious, right? Anyone who’s visited Portland in the spring would understand. Come to think of it, anyone who’s visited Portland would understand.
I’d stage a ripping dance sequence just east of Hotel deLuxe in the heart of Portland shopping and near some great Portland restaurants. The red-brick steps and sunken amphitheater of Pioneer Square make the perfect set. It already has a statue that looks like Gene Kelly, umbrella and all!
That’s a wrap.
Lance
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