Yes, there was such a thing as Michigan Movies. For a short time, Michigan gave tax credits to filmmakers to entice productions to locate here. Those days are long gone. However, the films that were produced allow us to see recognizable locations in our backyard. We noted that in 2011, Sean Penn chose the Thumb as a location for the film This Must Be the Place. Here are six more notables among 140 films denoted as Michigan Movies for all or part of the production.
Continental Divide
This 1981 film starring John Belushi and Blair Brown is cast in Chicago. A hard-nosed Chicago journalist has an unlikely love affair with an eagle researcher. One memorable scene takes place at a train station in Niles Michigan. The historic Michigan Central Railroad station was built in 1892 of brownstone. The Niles depot is still in operation by Amtrak. The depot appeared in other movies such as Midnight Run, and Only the Lonely.
Into the Storm
Filmed in 2014, this disaster film was shot in several Michigan locations, including Pontiac and on the campus of nearby Oakland University. There are alot of recognizable Michigan landmarks and buildings in this film. The school shots were filmed at the Oakview Middle School in Oakland Township. The film starred Richard Armitage and Sarah Wayne Callies.
Red Dawn
This 2012 remake was shot in Detroit, Harper Woods, and Mt. Clemens. The closed Notre Dame High School was a primary filming location, and its cafeteria was the catering hall for the cast. The film starred Chris Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson. While not credited, the shot below from the trailer was taken in Pontiac.
8 Mile
8 Mile is a 2002 drama film shot in Michigan, portraying the gritty life in Detroit’s 8 Mile Road. Eminem, a Detroit native, stars as a young white rapper struggling with life’s challenges. His character, Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr., navigates through issues like poverty, parental conflict, and romantic entanglements. The movie is renowned for its authentic representation of Detroit’s harsh reality and its influential rap battles. The film’s theme song, “Lose Yourself,” won an Academy Award, further cementing Eminem’s place in pop culture.
Gran Torino
“Gran Torino,” directed by Clint Eastwood, is a dramatic film shot in Detroit and Highland Park, Michigan in 2008. Eastwood stars as Walt Kowalski, a retired auto worker and Korean War veteran. The plot explores Kowalski’s relationship with a Hmong family living next door. The film, known for its gritty depiction of urban decay, spotlights the city’s multicultural neighborhoods. The movie’s title references a vintage Ford model, symbolizing Detroit’s automotive history (IMDb).
Batman v Superman
In “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, Gotham’s Batman is convinced that Superman is a threat, leading to a fierce battle between them, while an external threat emerges. The film primarily explores themes of power, responsibility, and the repercussions of god-like abilities in the world. The movie, released in 2016, was largely filmed in Detroit, Michigan, using locations like the Michigan State Capitol and Detroit’s historic train station. Other Michigan locations include East Lansing and Pontiac. (Source: Detroit Free Press)
Media from YouTube
Final Thoughts About Michigan Movies
Michigan has played a significant backdrop in many iconic films, showcasing its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history. From the gritty streets of Detroit in “8 Mile” to the charming small-town life in “Gran Torino,” Michigan movies offer a unique blend of settings. Additionally, the state’s film incentives have attracted major productions like “Batman v Superman.” However, the fluctuating film incentives have also led to uncertainty in the industry. Despite this, Michigan’s cinematic appeal continues to shine through, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Related Reading
- Port Austin’s Turnip Rock – Movie Set
- Movies Made in Michigan’s Thumb Region
- Movie “Chasing Jimmy” Premiers in Caseville
- Three Great Sailing Movies
