Hollywood is often seen as the be-all and end-all of creating the perfect on screen experience to watch at the cinema or even on your cheap 3D TVs at home. However, Britain has a lot to shout about.
Apart from the Harry Potter series, which is quite clearly British, there are a lot of hidden gems that you probably didn’t know were made right here, or at least considered to be British makes.
There are a lot of factors movies need to include in their production process in order to pass the British Film Institute cultural test. A lot of the time audiences may be thrown off by American accents when actors are in fact British, (we’re looking at you, Christian Bale). So we’ve unearthed some surprising movies at least partially created in the UK.
Did you know these blockbusters are British?
The Shining
This 1980 psychological horror was based on Stephen King’s novel and revolved around the isolated Overlook Hotel. Although the aerial shots of the opening scenes were from Montana, the movie was actually filmed in Hertfordshire.
Stanley Kubrick used multiple stages at EMI Elstree, and at the time the hotel was the largest ever set there. It included a life-size recreation of the hotel exterior.
So although this blockbuster doesn’t strictly classify as British, we bet you didn’t know it was filmed right here in the UK!
The Dark Knight Rises
Despite the running American themes throughout this movie, such as the yellow school bus and NYPD style cop cars, this production classified as a Brit blockbuster. Using big-name stars, such as Michael Caine and Christian Bale, as well as being directed by Brit Christopher Nolan, meant it passed the BFI cultural test!
Gravity
Although this Oscar-winning movie was convincingly set in space, it was actually created right here on Earth – in the UK to be precise.
British production company Framestore created stunning visuals, and Prime Focus World created the 3D effects. The BFI’s decision caused a bit of controversy, but the multiple BAFTA awards it scooped confirmed it as a UK production.
Maleficent
This Disney creation tells the other side of the Sleeping Beauty classic, and was created right here in Britain.
Not only was it filmed in Pinewood studios and the surrounding 500-acre woodland, several other UK companies leant their expertise to the film, including London based visual effects house, The Senate.
The Bourne Ultimatum
This Matt Damon action thriller was also filmed at Pinewood studios – obviously a place for the world’s movie elite to gather and create some great films.
If you’re looking for a way to brush up on your movie trivia, buy a cheap 3D TV to have an unforgettable experience! Contact us on 0121 327 3273 and one of our movie buffs will be happy to help.
