The Film Buff's Guide To Texas
For a movie buff, movies are more than just an entertaining experience. Movies are life. Whether you’re an avid filmgoer, filmmaker, or a hardcore movie buff, Texas is a great place to satisfy cinematic cravings. Complete with art house movie theaters, cinematic events and tons of iconic movie locations to visit, this list will walk through the ultimate movie buff’s guide to Texas.
1. The Texas Theatre
Theater
Angelika Film Center
The Angelika is another theater that appreciates filmmaking. They host several screenings, indie features, premieres and inspiring events to educate the thriving creative. In fact, on Tuesdays, they offer a discounted ticket for students, along with complimentary popcorn. And the broke college student rejoices! They have ‘Crybaby Matinee’ for parents with young ones that want to enjoy movies while catering to their needs. Next time you’re cruising through downtown Dallas, hit up the Angelika for an enjoyable experience – it’s a place that truly understands the needs of the movie buff.
2. Alamo Drafthouse
Movie Theater, Cinema
3. SXSW Festival
Cinema
4. Violet Crown Cinema
Cinema, Movie Theater
Film Set Locations to Visit
Dazed and Confused – Austin, Texas
From director Richard Linklater, this cult comedy classic tells the story of a group of teens in the 1970s that embark upon their last day of school before the summer. With its unique vibes and weird personalities, it’s really perfect that it’s in Austin.
Alright, alright, alright. Cruise by Top Notch Hamburgers, at 7525 Burnet Rd, in Austin, TX, USA, to see the iconic spot and The Americana Movie Theater located at 2200 Hancock Drive, Austin, TX, USA. Now it’s the Yarborough Branch of the Austin library. ‘R.E. Lee High School’ is actually Bedichek Middle School at 6800 Bill Hughes Road, Austin, TX, USA.
Miss Congeniality – Austin and San Antonio
When a female agent (Sandra Bullock) gets thrown into a beauty pageant, she experiences a dramatic character change, not only saving the day but also finding herself.
The beauty pageant was held at Bass Concert Hall on the University of Texas Campus at 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX, USA. See where Miss Rhode Island described her perfect date at Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St in San Antonio, TX, USA, on the River Walk. Check out the hotel, which hosted the contestants, located at the Hyatt Regency at Lady Bird Lake, 208 Barton Springs, Austin, TX, USA.
No Country for Old Men – Marfa, Texas
Texas sure has worked its charm on the Coen brothers. This mystery/thriller follows the path of Llewllyn Moss (Josh Brolin) who comes across a couple million dollars and runs from a ruthless killer (Javier Bardem) desperate to track him down.
The opening scene in which Moss finds the money is shot in West Texas in the town of Marfa, off I-90 about 400 miles west of San Antonio. It’s right off Big Bend National Park. Nothing screams dry open wasteland like that, but then again, it’s the perfect spot for the scene.
The Coens’ affinity for Southern culture and dialogue certainly earns them some good old-fashioned respect.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? – Austin, Texas
This iconic indie, starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, has certainly achieved cult status for many fans. It gives the audience a glimpse of the life of Arnie Grape (Leo) and how his brother Gilbert (Depp) struggles and strives to make life possible.
Although the story takes place in the fictitious town of ‘Endora, Iowa,’ it’s set right here in Texas, specifically in the town of Manor, which is just east of Austin. The famous water tower that Arnie repeatedly embarks upon stands at the intersection of Old US-290/Parsons Street and South Lexington Street, behind Duett’s Tire Service, 106 W Parsons St, Manor, TX, USA.
Rushmore – Houston, Texas
Hooray for Texas native Wes Anderson! Rushmore centers around an enthusiastic student, Max (Jason Schwartzmann), who battles a businessman Herman Blume (Bill Murray) for a beautiful schoolteacher.
‘Rushmore Academy’ is St. John’s School at 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, TX, USA, north of Westheimer Road. Max is exiled to ‘Grover Cleveland High School,’ Lamar High School at 3325 Westheimer Street, Houston, TX, USA.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – Austin, Texas
Last but not least, this iconic Texas film focuses around a group of friends who encounter a crazy killer and must struggle to survive. As the tagline suggests, ‘Who will survive, and what will be left of them?’
Visit the actual Texas Chainsaw Massacre house in Kingsland, Texas. It has moved around, but it now stands as a restaurant: Grand Central Café, located at 1010 King Court, Kingsland, TX, USA. The gas station featured in the movie, ‘Bilbo’s Texas Landmark,’ is located at 1073 State Highway 304, Bastrop, TX, USA. According to Google Maps, it doesn’t seem to be operating anymore, but the building still stands.
With the power of film only getting more powerful and more exciting, the film community and locations to cultivate its growth will only grow and expand. Keep an eye out for new spots and places, and never stop exploring!
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