subject: Land Rovers in the movies [print this page] The settings, backdrops, clothing and props used in movies are vital in making audiences believe the alternate realities they are transported to once the film reel starts rolling. And often, the products or props used in a movie become clearly linked or associated with those films.
Land Rovers are iconic 4WD and rough terrain vehicles, and this reputation is in a large part due to their repeated use in Hollywood blockbusters. Their use on the big screen has impacted their popularity on the roads, and it's no surprise that there are cult followings behind different Land Rover models that stems from their use or role in certain movies.
Here's a list of a few movies that Land Rovers have featured prominently in.
- The Gods Must Be Crazy (1984). Set in South Africa and Botswana, this film is a comic allegory that tells the story of Xi, a Bushman, and his band that have no knowledge of the world beyond. When they come into contact with western civilisation, a Land Rover is featured and many funny scenes ensue. For example, the bushman drives the Land Rover in reverse, and there is an infamous scene in which a Land Rover is winched up a tree.
- James Bond (various). Moving away from the traditional safari/outback style setting, Land Rovers have featured in a number of James Bond movies, including the 1964 Goldfinger' and the 1995 Golden Eye'. In the 1983 Octopussy', the opening scene features a convertible 3-door Range Rover convertible (top down) with bench seats in the rear.
- Outbreak (1995). When a deadly airborne virus threatens to eliminate the human species in this thriller starring Morgan Freeman, Rene Russo and Dustin Hoffman, Land Rovers feature throughout the movie as the vehicle of the mercenaries. There has been much praise from Land Rover lovers that period Land Rovers were used in these scenes.
- Sex and the City 2 Adding a bit of glamour to the Land Rover's portfolio, a dune jumping Land Rover defender in Abu Dhabi introduces Samantha's love interest Rikard Spirit in this Hollywood blockbuster.
Whether it's new or used Land Rover vehicles in many different models have been used and featured in a number of movies. The use of cars in movies can inspire audiences to purchase those or similar vehicles for themselves.
It's not only Land Rovers that are susceptible to this trend. Perhaps, for example, the use of Peugeot's in the Train' movies inspired you to buy a used Peugeot?
