Angelina Jolie in ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’: premiere and plot
The high-octane action film ‘Gone in 60 Seconds,’ released on June 9, 2000, captivated audiences with its thrilling car chases and charismatic performances. This American action and heist movie, a loose remake of H. B. Halicki’s 1974 original, quickly became a fan favorite. Directed by Dominic Sena and penned by screenwriter Scott Rosenberg, the film plunges viewers into a world of master car thieves. The production itself was a significant undertaking, with filming commencing in May 1999 and concluding in October of the same year, primarily taking place across the bustling locales of Los Angeles and Long Beach in California. The movie’s premiere marked the introduction of a compelling narrative centered around speed, precision, and high stakes, setting the stage for a memorable cinematic experience.
Plot of the film: stealing 50 cars
The central premise of ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ revolves around an incredibly tight deadline and an audacious task. The protagonist, Randall “Memphis” Raines, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, finds himself in a desperate situation. To save his younger brother’s life, Memphis is forced to embark on an almost impossible mission: he must steal 50 specific cars within a mere 72-hour window. Each vehicle on the list is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a meticulously chosen target, each assigned a unique code name. This high-stakes game of automotive acquisition forms the backbone of the plot, driving the narrative forward with relentless intensity and showcasing the intricate planning and execution required for such a grand heist. The sheer scale of the undertaking, coupled with the looming threat to his brother, creates a palpable sense of urgency throughout the film.
Angelina Jolie as Sara ‘Sway’ Wayland
In ‘Gone in 60 Seconds,’ Angelina Jolie takes on the role of Sara “Sway” Wayland, a character who adds a crucial dynamic to the film’s narrative. Sway is depicted as a skilled mechanic and a barmaid, someone deeply connected to the automotive world and the underground scene. Her character plays a significant role in rekindling her relationship with Memphis, providing an emotional anchor amidst the chaos of the car heists. Jolie’s portrayal of Sway brings a blend of toughness and vulnerability to the screen, making her a memorable presence in the film. Her involvement is not just about her connection to Memphis, but also her own expertise and resilience within the high-stakes environment of professional car theft.
Cast and production of ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’
Stars of the film: Nicolas Cage and cast
The ensemble cast of ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ is undeniably one of its major draws, featuring a host of talented actors who bring their characters to life with charisma and intensity. Leading the charge is Nicolas Cage as Randall “Memphis” Raines, the master car thief at the heart of the story. Alongside Cage, the film boasts a stellar supporting cast that includes Angelina Jolie as Sara “Sway” Wayland, Giovanni Ribisi as Kip Raines, Christopher Eccleston as Raymond Calitri, and the legendary Robert Duvall as Otto Halliwell. The chemistry and performances of these actors are pivotal in making the film’s high-stakes plot engaging and believable, contributing significantly to its overall appeal as a thrilling action movie.
Production and filming locations
The production of ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ was a complex and extensive operation, spanning from May to October 1999. The filmmakers chose to set the majority of the action in and around the vibrant urban landscape of Los Angeles and Long Beach in California. These iconic locations provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s numerous car chases and heist sequences, offering a diverse range of environments from gritty industrial areas to sprawling city streets. One specific filming location mentioned is North Edwards Street in Independence, California, which likely served as a key site for some of the more intense action sequences. The choice of these locations contributed to the film’s authentic and gritty atmosphere, immersing viewers in the world of high-speed automotive crime.
Cars in the film: the iconic ‘Eleanor’
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 ‘Eleanor’
Undoubtedly, the most recognizable and celebrated vehicle in ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ is the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 from 1967, famously nicknamed “Eleanor.” This iconic muscle car is not just a plot device; it’s a character in its own right, embodying speed, power, and a rebellious spirit. Eleanor is the ultimate prize, the car that Memphis is tasked with stealing in the film’s climax. Its distinctive design, aggressive stance, and custom modifications made it an instant automotive legend. The presence of Eleanor elevated the film beyond a typical heist movie, turning it into a celebration of automotive design and performance, particularly for fans of classic American muscle cars.
Destroyed cars during filming
The intense and action-packed nature of ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ meant that a considerable number of vehicles met their demise during the production. To bring the thrilling car chases and stunts to life, the filmmakers reportedly used between eleven and twelve “Eleanor” replicas. Tragically, five of these meticulously crafted Eleanor cars were destroyed during the filming process, highlighting the extreme demands placed on the vehicles and the stunt teams. Beyond Eleanor, the film featured a total of 50 stolen cars, each with its own code name, suggesting that numerous other vehicles were also subjected to the rigors of production and likely sustained damage or were destroyed to create the film’s spectacular action sequences.
Reception of the film: reviews and box office
Critical and audience reception
Upon its release, ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ garnered a mixed to negative reception from film critics. The film received primarily negative reviews, with critiques often focusing on the screenplay, direction, and acting, as well as the action sequences themselves. Websites like Rotten Tomatoes reflect this sentiment, assigning the movie a low score of 25% based on 138 critic reviews, with the consensus noting its “disappointingly low” quality. However, the audience reception offered a different perspective. CinemaScore awarded the film an average grade of B+ from viewers, indicating that while critics may have been unimpressed, the general movie-going public found the film to be an entertaining ride, particularly appreciating its action and car-centric themes.
Box office success: ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ box office
Despite the lukewarm critical reviews, ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ proved to be a significant box office success. The film debuted at the number one spot in the box office during its opening weekend, a testament to its strong commercial appeal. Globally, the movie performed exceptionally well, with its box office takings exceeding $237 million. This impressive financial performance, especially considering its production budget ranged from $90 to $103.3 million, solidified its status as a commercial hit. The film’s ability to draw large audiences, even in the face of critical disapproval, underscores its entertainment value and its resonance with fans of action and car-themed cinema. The film is also available on Blu-ray, offering fans the chance to relive the excitement.
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