One might think that living in Los Angeles would render one desensitized to the movie magic, but we beg to differ. We never tire of LA’s filmic nature. It still makes us giddy to see the streets and neighborhoods where we sold homes, appear on the screen. Here’s the beginning of the Tracy Do Real Estate guide to some of our favorite cinematic portrayals of Los Angeles (to be continued!):
BOSCH
This intricate crime show, adapted from Michael Connely books, harkens to film noir classics with its striking landscape-focused cinematography, and its title character – detective Harry Bosch is Bogartian in both his looks and acting style. The gripping narrative traverses the city, moving swiftly from Downtown LA to Echo Park and Silver Lake, gliding through Hollywood Hills, and dipping into the San Fernando Valley along the way. Local landmarks, like the recently reopened Angel’s Flight trolley, the City Hall and The Times building, are all given a fair share of screen time, but it is Bosch’s house, with its epic panoramic view from the living room, what we find to be the most arresting location in the series. The glass and steel design, the secluded hillside location, and the feeling of expansive space capture the essence of living in LA, an eloquent example of local residential architecture that echoes the beauty of our land. If views and glass windows are your thing, be sure to visit our Open Houses at 4121 Sea View in Mt. Washington and 739 N Ave 63 in Highland Park this weekend – both offer truly stunning views.
CHINATOWN
An iconic film that tells the story of our most precious resource – the fresh water supply – and the struggle to control it by various enterprising LA residents. While not exactly historically accurate, Chinatown certainly captures the volatile spirit of the industrial ambitions that ruled the day in the early 20th century (though the film is actually set in 1930’s). Filled with cinematic visions from the city’s varied landscapes, Chinatown is an enduring classic that must be seen. One of our favorite moments? The scene on the Echo Park Lake lake, in which detective Jake (Jack Nicholson) pretends to photograph his associate, as a cover for photographing someone else entirely – all while boating. Revisit the scene (and ride a swan-shaped boat) after visiting our Open Houses in Echo Park this Sunday – 2118 Elsinore St. and 1964 Landa St. will be Open from 2-4P.
THE LONG GOODBYE
Another essential LA film from the 1970’s, adapted from a novel by Raymond Chandler, The Long Good Bye was directed by the brilliant director Robert Altman. The story follows a private eye, Philip Marlowe (Elliott Gould), who is asked by his old buddy Terry Lennox (Jim Bouton) for a ride to Tijuana. He does as asked, but when he gets back to Los Angeles, Marlowe is greeted by police about the death of Terry’s wife. We don’t want to give away the plot twists, but lovers of Los Angeles architecture will no doubt enjoy the visions of 1970’s Westside and Malibu. As for us, we were rather partial to Marlowe’s apartment, seen in the beginning of the film and located in the High Tower Court apartments in Hollywood Hills.
The apartment is notable for the grand views of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows of its circular living room, and its unique architecture- to enter, one needs to ride an elevator up to the tower and then cross a bridge to reach the living spaces. The units in the complex come up for rent every now and then, and, in fact, the last time we saw a listing in 2014, it was for the very residence featured in the film. There do not seem to be any vacancies at the moment, but if living in a historically notable home is important to you, look out for two Rudolf Schindler lease listings we have coming up right here at Tracy Do Real Estate later this week (do get in touch if you’d like more information!)
The High Tower Apartments today
