Atlantica - 01.10.2006, Page 31

AT L A N T I CA 29
ISTANBUL
Midnight Express, directed by Alan Parker and written by Oliver
Stone (who won the Oscar for his script), is a 1978 film that tells
the story of Billy Hayes, a traveler who was condemned to a Turkish
prison after getting busted for smuggling hash. While this gritty
portrait of triumph over despair may not inspire you to book your
next cruise to Istanbul, there’s one helluva chase scene through a
local bazaar.
WASHINGTON DC
Three Days of the Condor, directed by Sydney Pollack, is hands
down the best political thriller ever made. The film examines the
conspiracies and paranoia rife in the films released post-Watergate
and Vietnam, and prior to the jingoistic films produced during ‘80s
Reaganomics. Robert Redford has never been better, and in this
one, he’s teamed up with a sultry Faye Dunaway.
EUROPE
Never had the opportunity to buy a Eurail pass and ride the trains
across Europe? Then the Bourne films (The Bourne Identity and The
Bourne Supremacy) are the next best thing. In these spy thrillers,
Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) zigzags through Berlin, Paris, Naples,
St. Petersburg, Prague, and Barcelona, just to name a few. The CIA
operative who’s on the run from his own government even makes it
to the Greek island of Mykonos and Goa, India.
LONDON
Feeling a bit down after a heavy night of drinking? Notting Hill is a
terrific hangover movie. The silly romance between Hugh Grant’s
owner of a travel bookshop and Julia Roberts, who plays a big-time
movie star (heck of a stretch), is the perfect pick-me-up, and the silly
plot even seems plausible when your equilibrium is a tad off kilter.
SAN FRANCISCO
Dirty Harry, Magnum Force and The Enforcer
Explore San Francisco as Mr. Eastwood’s Harry Callahan wipes the
“scum” off these hilly, mean streets with his .44 Magnum, the most
powerful handgun in the world. Watch this San Francisco trifecta
with your favorite conservative Republican and member of the
NRA. For good measure, also rent Escape from Alcatraz.
PALERMO, SICILY
Filmed on location throughout the region of Palermo, Cinema
Paradiso, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, is a romantic ode made
for anyone who’s ever been struck by the magic of movies. Not only
will you fall in love with this film, but also with Sicily’s small villages
and azure water.
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