From the classic black and white suspense of Hitchcock to colorful, modern CGI films like Inside Out, writers love placing their stories in the Bay Area. Visit the 2nd Floor DVD/Blu-ray display to discover or revisit stories that take place in our beautiful Bay. Below are staff recommendations from the display:
Taryn recommends:
The Conversation - Gene Hackman is spectacular as surveillance "expert" in this mystery thriller. Watch it and see if you can find any parallels with today's political scene!
Bullitt - Steve McQueen is smoking hot (burning rubber!) as SFPD Lieutenant Frank Bullitt in this action filled, mob busting, Mustang racing thriller. The car chase scene through the streets of San Francisco is regarded as one of the most influential in movie history.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers - Based on the book by local author Jack Finney, the 1978 film is a remake of one from 1956. Roger Ebert thought the plot had something to do with "something to do with Watergate and keeping tabs on those who are not like you" - what do you think?
Kristin recommends:
The Birdman of Alcatraz - A true story of a convicted killer who avoids the depths of despair by becoming an authority on birds during his imprisonment.
Harold and Maude - A black comedy about a disturbed young man fascinated with death and funerals and his friendship with an eccentric and adventurous 80 year old lady. This film also has a great soundtrack by Cat Stevens!
Rhonda says “I have to say Bullitt and Vertigo are at the top of my list. But, the little campy film "So I married an Axe Murderer" has a scene filmed right outside my apartment in North Beach, circa 1993.”
Deb recommends Maltese Falcon and Dirty Harry.
Myles recommends:
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)- Mechanics’ librarian Lia recommended this film for a previous display, and I just got around to watching it. In Star Trek IV, the crew travels back to the 20th-Century San Francisco (from the 22nd-Century) to rescue two newborn humpback whales from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The hero of the film is a marine biologist. How cool is that? In need of family-friendly feel-good sci-fi? Look no further!
The Room (2003): is thought to be one of the best-worst movies ever made. Its production inspired the Disaster Artist (2017) with James Franco and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. The Room is about Marina District banker who finds out his wife is cheating on him with his best friend. Part softcore porn, part unintentional comedy, part music video, the room was a passion project of writer, director, and San Francisco landlord Tommy Wiseau. The Room is famous for its ongoing media campaign, 15 years after its initial release, one can still find a giant “The Room” billboard on a building at Fisherman’s Wharf.
