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Amazon Theatre in Manaus and the story of Fitzcarraldo

Posted by Andy Jarosz in The View - (0 Comments)

Teatro Amazonas in Manaus Brazil

Every so often a movie comes along where its on-screen plot is overshadowed by the story of how the movie was made and the problems that had to be overcome to reach the final cut. The 1982 movie Fitzcarraldo, directed by Werner Herzog, is a prime example.

Amazon Theatre in Manaus

Using the Amazon Theatre in Manaus, Brazil, for part of the filming, Herzog tells the story of Brian Sweeney “Fitzcarraldo” Fitzgerald, an Irish entrepreneur who was trying to make money in the lucrative rubber plantation business. Fitzcarraldo has a soft spot for opera, and he has a dream to build an opera house deep in the Amazon jungle with the money he earns from his business exploits.

Filming of Fitzcarraldo

Scarcely has the making of a movie been more fraught with disasters. The film is based on the true life story of Carlos Fitzcarraldo, who managed to drag a 30-ton steamship across land from one river to another. Herzog aimed to reproduce this, but not to be outdone, his ship weighed 300 tonnes and he insisted that the colossal steamship really would be moved overland without any special effects using manpower alone.

His first lead actor Jason Robards contracted dysentery midway through filming and was ordered home by doctors, meaning that all his scenes had to be re-shot with his replacement, Klaus Kinski. Finding Kinski was certainly not the end of Herzog’s problems: The new lead proved to be a very fiery character, with constant battles with Herzog. By all accounts Kinski was so unpleasant to both the other cast members and the native population who worked as extras, that one of the local chiefs even offered to kill him on Herzog’s behalf.

Perhaps once again it’s a case of the blurred boundaries between real life and art. The real-life Fitzcarraldo 90 years earlier had been known as a fearsome character who terrorized local tribes and would give them the choice of working with him on his terms or being killed.

Visiting Manaus

Manaus is home to several grand buildings that date from the days of the rubber barons. Taking a walk from any hotel in Manaus to the city’s center, however, it is soon clear that no building compares to the magnificent opera house, which plays host to an annual film festival attracting visitors from around the world and is considered a must-see attraction on a visit to Manaus.

Photo | Pontanegra

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Post- “Midnight Express” Turkey: Cool Culture, Hot Beaches

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[What to do in Turkey] Midnight Express

After seeing “Midnight Express,” possibly the furthest thing from your mind is to take a pleasant stroll through Turkey, but don’t let an intense film like this 1978 crime drama discourage you from enjoying the experience of sightseeing in Turkey, where cultures meet in such a spectacular manner. Remember that Hollywood movies are made to leave an impact, and that not everything you see in them, even if it’s based on actual events, is necessarily that way.

Billy Hayes was arrested at the Istanbul airport because he had poorly chosen the, um, souvenirs he was going to take back to the US, but beforehand, he had the opportunity to appreciate its streets, its culture and everything else the capital of Turkey has to offer. The words Constantinople or Byzantium (as the city was once called) give you an idea of what you may expect in such a passion-filled destination. It’s no coincidence that the historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site since 1985, nor is it that you have seen its marvelous Christian church, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, in your history books. Together with the Blue Mosque and others scattered around the city, these sights guarantee a rich cultural experience.

Beaches in Turkey: Sun, Fun & Culture

But Turkey has more to offer than its fabulous religious buildings; it also has some highly recommendable beaches. Beaches where Hayes could have swum prior to committing the wild crime that landed him as the protagonist of “Midnight Express.” Beaches that would have refreshed his mind before running the risk of trying to leave the country with a package of heroin, and that would have saved him both the years in that horrible jail and the need to escape to save any semblance of sanity.

Antalya is one of those destinations in Turkey where tourists can truly appreciate how much the country has changed over the last 40 years. Its beaches have always been there, as have the old Roman ruins, vestiges of Greek culture and numerous mosques. But now it also has five star resorts and restaurants for every price range that make this region one of the primary tourist destinations in this part of the Mediterranean coast.

You can’t get to Antalya by train, as you might get to Istanbul, but there are daily flights that you will not regret having taken. If you do, we would love to hear what you think.

Photo | Midnight Express (Sony Pictures, formerly Columbia Pictures)

 

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James Bond Movies and Jamaica

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Jamaica James Bond

James Bond has been a childhood hero for more than one generation of young (and not so young) boys. The glamorous lifestyle full of  fast cars, private jets and beautiful girls has provided the perfect escapism for fans around the world. There is another important element of spice to all of the 007 movies, however: Whatever life-or-death situation the different James Bonds have faced they are invariably in a glamorous part of the world, lined with palm trees, yachts and luxury villas.

James Bond Movie Locations

If you’re one of the millions who have admired the backdrops of many a James Bond scene, then you may be surprised to learn that much of the filming has taken place in Jamaica. Remember the famous scene in “Dr. No” where Ursula Andress emerges bikini-clad from the ocean? That was filmed at Laughing Waters, close to Ocho Rios on the north coast of the island. And the mangrove swamp where Bond (Sean Connery) and Honey are captured by the dragon tank? That’s a little west of Ocho Rios.

Ocho Rios also features in “Live and Let Die” with Roger Moore as Bond; it is the location of the voodoo nightclub scene with Baron Samedi. The bus chase that follows, in which an old London bus is used, takes place on the northwest highway between the popular Montego Bay resort and Lucea.

Ian Fleming in Jamaica

So why the fondness for Jamaica as a filming location for these movies? You need look no further than Bond’s creator Ian Fleming to understand why the island is James Bond’s second home. Fleming was so enamored of Jamaica that he built his own home on the island and spent around 20 winters here. It was during this time that he went from being a writer for British newspapers to gaining international fame for his James Bond stories.

The Real James Bond

Even the name of James Bond can be traced back to Fleming’s life in Jamaica. Who was the original Bond? It turns out that he was an ornithologist who lived on Jamaica and whose parents allowed Fleming to stay on their property. The name was chosen as it was considered to be completely ordinary. Little did Fleming (or Bond) realize at that time just how famous it would become.

Photo | EON Productions/Danjaq

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Fireworks: Live Your Own Music Video Experience in Budapest

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Budapest Széchenyi Chain Bridge

The beauty of a classic city like Budapest is undeniable and, for that reason, more than one movie director has chosen it as a film location, due to both its own merits and similarities to equally gorgeous destinations. Cities like the capital of Hungary are also a special gift for creators of music videos, who need to pack a musical story into no more than three or four minutes and make a visual impact from the very first chords. To do so, these directors take advantage of aerial shots of classic buildings and gorgeous nocturnal views in which the street lights and tourist attractions make the beauty of certain sights stand out even more.

As for Budapest, this city was used in one of the latest pop hits, the song Firework by Katy Perry, which showcases two of the most emblematic structures in the city: the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge, a representation of the classic European city, divided by a river with a stunning palace one side and the classic charm of an old Eastern city everywhere.

Despite its name, the Buda Castle bears no relation to the Oriental deity, but rather to the original name of the city where it was founded, and is at the root of the current name Budapest. The royal palace, which dates back to the 14th century, is today one of the best conserved national treasures of Hungary and has been declared a World Heritage Site. It is precisely the need for union between the two old cities of Buda and Pest that give us the symbol of the city, the Chain Bridge, the first to span the Danube in Hungary (until it was built, the only way to travel from one city to the other was by way of an old ferry). You will find it on many if not most postcards and souvenirs; it will surely fill your memory card with its charm as well.

And if you want to live the Firework experience and be there on a special day, take the opportunity to spend the night of August 20th, when they celebrate the founding of the state, and watch as the obligatory fireworks display lights up the sky.

Photo | Wizzard

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Against All Odds: Football, With a Maya Twist

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Maya Ball Court at Chichen Itza Iberostar

An out-of-favor football player turns up in Cozumel in search of a girl. They fall in love amid danger, dirty deals and murder. Jeff Bridges and Rachel Ward add the necessary sparkle while a soundtrack featuring the well-known Phil Collins title song ensures worldwide success.

But it may be the spectacular locations on the Yucatan peninsula chosen for “Against All Odds” that really steal the show. Chichen Itza, recently listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, forms a spectacular backdrop for the movie’s pivotal scene, where modern-day football is compared to the ball games once played at this ancient site.

Maya Ball Games, Anyone?

You thought American football was rough on the players? Maya football was a brutal game with a particularly gruesome finale and is considered to have been an important part of Maya culture. The game was played on a T-shaped ball court, examples of which can be found at sites across Mexico and Central America. Players would wear heavy leather padding across their chest, arms and knees, along with a stone belt with which they would make contact with the ball. The aim of the game was to keep the ball (similar to a soccer ball but far heavier) from touching the ground and this was done by using the elbows, knees or hips. Points were scored if the ball was hit against a stone ring on the side of the court (above right, in the picture).

Exactly how the game was played is largely unclear, yet perhaps it’s the gruesome ending of a Maya football game that is most disputed. Many believe that the losing captain was beheaded and his life offered as a sacrifice to the gods. Others suggest that it was in fact the winning captain who was sacrificed; after all, it was important to offer the most valuable gift to gain favor with the deities. That someone was killed at the end of a game is the one thing that’s not in doubt.

Visiting Ball Courts at Chichen Itza and Tulum

Apart from being an admittedly high-risk sport, the ball games were also an integral part of religious observance during the centuries of pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Every community of significance had a ball court, and easily accessible examples can be found in both Chichen Itza and Tulum. Trips to both sites are within easy reach of the resorts along the Yucatan coast, and make for a great day trip from Playa Paraiso or Cancun.

Photo | Andy Jarosz

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Salvador da Bahia: Charming, Colonial and Oh So Warm

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Moon Over Parador

“Moon over Parador” is a little-known but deeply entertaining film starring the amazing Richard Dreyfuss and the beautiful Sonia Braga. The movie tells the story of a failed actor forced to take on the role of a dictator who had recently passed away and whose right-hand man was not willing to lose his privileges. Thus obliged to make this role his life, Dreyfuss’s character transforms into the dictator, wins over the heart of his lover and lives in a never-ending loop of situations that are as funny as they are tense.

As the backdrop of this story, set in a small, fictitious Latin American country called Parador, the production team chose, among other locations, the Brazilian city of Salvador da Bahia, capital of the state of Bahia. This city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the third largest in the country and a wonderful blend of beautiful colonial architecture and tropical beaches where you can sit back with a cold beer or one of Brazil’s specialty drinks under the shade of rustling palm trees.

The primary tourist attraction in Salvador da Bahia is truly the happiness of its inhabitants, but one can also enjoy a romantic walk through its streets, live music everywhere, and (of course) shopping. No wonder Jack Noah and Madonna, the characters played by Dreyfuss and Braga, end up falling in love, as there’s not a human being in the world who could spend a few days in this city without falling under its spell (yes, it’s a cliché, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!).

The best part of Salvador, though, is the climate. It’s summer nearly all year long, and when temperatures fall, it’s never below 53ºF (12ºC). Short sleeves are required, and coat manufacturers are simply out of luck in this city. If you’re the type who seeks warmer temperatures for your vacations and likes going home with an envy-inducing tan without the tedium of a tanning bed, Salvador da Bahia is definitely the place for you.

Image | Universal Pictures

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Star Wars: Waiting for Han Solo in a Bathing Suit

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What to do in Tunisia Hotel Sidi Driss

When you read how “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (that’s actually the original flic, btw) was developed in its first installment, it seems impossible that even one person involved in the production could have predicted the gargantuan success it would have decades later. The technical glitches, the new production system using scale models, the costumes that seem so fitting now, but at the time verged on the ridiculous – none of it seemed to foreshadow anything positive. Not to mention the constant delays in the production plan, which almost caused the filming to be canceled, orphaning one of the most famous films in movie history.

Outer Space in the Sahara

But despite all the setbacks, the good will of those working on the project was enough to produce a story that began filming on March 22, 1976 in the Sahara Desert, chosen as the set for the planet Tatooine. The name comes from Tataouine, a real city in Tunisia, situated only a few miles south of where the movie was shot.

Stretching into Morocco, Egypt and Algeria, the hottest desert in the world is a must-see if you are lucky enough to travel to these destinations. It won’t be difficult once you decide to venture out of the hotel, as the Sahara occupies 40% of Tunisia, leaving us the gift of an unforgettable landscape that goes beyond Spielberg’s amazingly captured images.

Film Locations in Tunisia

Some scenes from the movie, like those taking place in Luke Skywalker’s house (pictured above) were shot in other cities, such as Matmata, known for cave dwellings that are still in use today.

One of the most paradisiacal places in this North African destination, especially popular among newlyweds, is the island of Djerba. The scenes at Mos Eisley, the spaceport where Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi meet Han Solo, were filmed in a small fishing village called Ajim.

If you, like Spielberg, are about to launch a complicated project that truly excites you, Tunisia is the best place to recharge.

Photo | Neil Rickards

 

The Godfather: Santo Domingo Becomes Cuba for a Day

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Centro Gallego Havana Cuba

“The Godfather” trilogy comprises without a doubt three of the most celebrated movies of all time. Almost 40 years after the release of the first Godfather movie, the plots, the characters and the memorable lines are well known to a huge fan base, many of whom were born even after Francis Ford Coppola directed the final movie.

Havana Hotel Scene

While the characters in the Godfather trilogy may have been able to ‘arrange’ pretty much anything, the movie production team did not enjoy such unlimited powers. An important scene in the original Mario Puzo book takes place at a hotel in Cuba, Havana’s mob-owned Hotel Capri, where Michael (Al Pacino) is staying while trying to build a good relationship with the pre-revolutionary government so that he may be left alone to conduct his ‘business.’ (The image above, by the way, is not the Capri, but rather the Centro Gallego, or Galician Social Club, representing the glamor and elegance of Havana in its heyday).

A Cuban Hotel in the Dominican Republic?

During the film shoot, Cuba was very much off-limits for any American production. An alternative location needed to be found. Enter El Embajador in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. This grand 1950s hotel was considered a close match to the Capri in Havana and so was chosen as the ideal substitute.

If Coppola thought that moving the Cuban scenes to the Dominican Republic would solve his problems he was soon to get another shock. On arrival in Santo Domingo, Al Pacino developed pneumonia and had to be given time to fully recuperate, delaying the shoot by a whole month. The filming was finally completed and the resulting second movie in the Godfather series is considered by many fans to be the best of the trilogy.

Dominican Republic in the Movies

The original decision to shoot the Cuban scenes in the Dominican Republic was part of a planned strategy by the owners of Paramount pictures to use the country as a cheap and attractive location. Their ambitions never really came to fruition, with the Godfather remaining to this day as the best-known international movie to have been filmed here.

Perhaps for those on a Dominican Republic vacation that’s just as well. After all, if you’re looking for a relaxing break in the sun, you don’t want to share your hotel with a movie crew – especially if they’re dressed as gangsters!

Photo | Spaceritual

Capture the Magic of Adventure Films in Morocco

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What to do in Morocco

When you think about films associated with Morocco, your mind can’t help but shift to black and white, as the faces of Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart appear along with the soundtrack of “Casablanca.” However, this mythical movie was shot entirely in California, though it has left us with the memory of a romantic, but dangerous, Morocco.

Many movies have been filmed in this African nation, which prides itself on its own version of Hollywood or, as we Spaniards would say, its own Almería in the age of Westerns. One city in particular stands out for its popularity amongst American film productions which frequent the famous Atlas Studios: the city of Ouarzazate. This city is unique in that it combines its location in a valley with its proximity to both mountains and desert, with photogenic adobe houses that have acted as the set for a variety of films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra.” The film crews for other productions such as “The Sheltering Sky”, “The Mummy” and our beloved 007 in “The Living Daylights” have also wandered these same streets.

Set in the south of the country, this city is a must-see for film lovers who, in addition to recreating scenes from their favorite flics, can enjoy the spicy Moroccan cuisine and delicious mint teas (just be careful not to fall into the pot like Obelix!).

As in many other movie towns, visiting the studios is a tourist attraction in itself, and though it doesn’t have the typical attractions you may find in other movie-themed parks, lovers of classic cinema may evoke their silver screen memories and imagine Elizabeth Taylor dressed as Cleopatra exiting the temple in the luxurious recreation of Egypt in Joseph Leo Mankiewicz’s film, which was also shot here.

As with any city so close to the desert, summer is not really the best time to visit. But since we can’t always choose our vacation dates, just remember to load your suitcase with light, white clothing and end your day with a refreshing swim at any of the beaches you’ll find only a few kilometers away on Morocco’s gorgeous coast.

Image | Universal Pictures

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Jamaica’s Blue Lagoon Thrives, Minus Brooke Shields

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The Blue Lagoon, Brooke Shields

If we were to take a look back at the last couple of decades of film, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find movies like “The Blue Lagoon” in terms of the nature of the story lines and the care taken with the plot, as well as the success of something so simple, sweet and childlike, but that still managed to win over more than one generation with the gentleness of the characters, the candidness of the protagonists and (why not include this in the list of reasons for success) the wonder of the film locations, where anyone in their right mind would love to be stranded.

A Travel Film, Starring Nature

“The Blue Lagoon“ is not just the name of the film that catapulted the gorgeous Brooke Shields into fame: It’s also the name of one of the most beautiful lagoons in Jamaica, with incredible coloring that changes throughout the day from jade to an unreal turquoise, plus amazing coral reefs and a tropical underwater fauna that Jacques Cousteau himself did not want to miss, let alone not share with the world.

This spot, one of the most visited on the Caribbean island of Jamaica, was originally called the Blue Hole, but after the movie was filmed in 1980 and the destination grew as one of its leading tourist attractions, the name was wisely changed and it was made clear once and for all that if you’re 15 years old and dreaming about disappearing to a desert island, this was the place you should go.

To Swim or Not to Swim

Before you start to dream of a cool swim in the beautiful lagoon, however, be aware that access to it as a swimming area has been closed off. You can now only enjoy its waters from one of the boats the locals make available to tourists so they can at least get their hands wet in such an idyllic place. There was a time when you could access the lagoon from a beach restaurant, which also served as a dock, but it was wiped out by a hurricane years ago and never replaced. Some even claim that it was a way of protesting against the excessive number of tourists who made the lagoon a poorly respected attraction. There’s no question that the characters in the film never expected to find a place with a kitchen so close to the water.

Photo | Columbia Pictures (now Sony Pictures)

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