Best Films Shot in Richmond

The most noteworthy flicks with Richmond roots, according to the cineastes at the James River Film Society (jamesriverfilm.org), a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to the art of film and film as art.

“Lolita” (1962) – According to the late film critic Carole Kass, there are two Richmond shots in Kubrick’s classic — one looking east on Broad Street toward Old City Hall, and another in Church Hill when Professor Humbert goes to visit Lolita.

“My Dinner With Andre” (1981) – Filmed to look like it was set in New York, the majority of this art-house favorite was shot in at the Jefferson Hotel; local chef Chris Gibbs prepared “the dinner.”

“Futuropolis” (1990) – This 40-minute animation-pixilation tour de force by Steve Segal and Phil Trumbo, billed as “The World’s Smallest Epic,” was shot over nine years using the basement of the Old Broad Street Station (now the Science Museum of Virginia). Try spotting a young Noah Scalin.

“The Thrillbillys” (2001) – This “moonshine-fueled rampage of revenge” against the Super Great Marts of the world, was written, directed and produced by Jim Stramel, Richmond’s low-budget filmmaking maestro.

“Hannibal” (2001) – This follow-up to “The Silence of the Lambs” includes scenes filmed in the old State Library, the Fan and Shockoe Bottom. No wonder there’s no fava-bean-themed restaurant in Richmond.

“The Snowflake Crusade” (2002) – Megan Holley’s feature debut won several awards for screenwriting, leading Holley to focus on writing full-time. The result was “Sunshine Cleaning,” staring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin.

“New Jerusalem” (2011) – Much of Rick Alverson’s meditation on spirituality and the struggle for meaning (starring Will Oldham), was shot in Will’s Tire Shop on Jefferson Davis, Steve’s Diner, Ipanema and Country Style Donuts.

“Lincoln” (2012) – While it won’t hit the theaters till December, what list would be complete without the Steven Spielberg film featuring Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role, which took Richmond by storm last fall?

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