I haven’t seen it in years, but I really liked “The Majestic” starring Jim Carrey. Since the film pretty much opens in
(now I can’t think of the word) screenwriting jam session, I was hooked at the start. Problem is, the producers want to render Peter Appleton’s (Carrey) script unrecognizable with ludicrous alterations. Appleton storms out, has a car accident, loses his memory and ends up in small coastal town in Nor Cal. From there, a poignant, heart-warming story unfolds, centering around the resurrection of a local movie theater. Romance blossoms, and Appleton takes his lovely to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.
Pt. Cabrillo in the rain
Oh! This is sweet.
I happened onto a wonderful production journal for this movie, and the shooting at the lighthouse is fun to read. Sorry, no production photos, but you can imagine it well. Most fans of this genre (romantic dramedy) will love this film, whether they like Carrey or not. It’s a feel-good, with great scenery (obviously!), and a variety of wonderful California shooting locations: Union Station, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Griffith Park, Fort Bragg, Trinidad State Beach, Santa Monica Pier and the gorgeous little town of Mendocino (and yes, cast & crew did a bit of wine tasting while in the area).
Parts were even filmed right here in my hometown, at the Golden Oak Ranch, owned by Disney and rented out to other production companies. (See news about Golden Oak’s huge upcoming expansion here.)
If you’re interested in the production journal, get it here; lots of details about the filming and general fun shenanigans that go on during a location shoot. All of great interest to me, of course. Besides Carrey, “The Majestic” stars Laurie Holden, Martin Landau, James Whitmore, David Ogden Stiers, Hal Holbrook and voice cameos by famous film directors Carl and Robert Reiner, Garry Marshall, Paul Mazursky, and Sidney Pollack. A hoot!
Isn’t Point Cabrillo just the cutest lighthouse? If you find yourself traveling to Northern California, this is one not to miss. The docents and caretakers have many programs and opportunities for visitors, and the website has a calendar of events. This is not a lighthouse that shutters itself from lighthouse lovers!
THAT is an adorable lighthouse. I am not a huge fan of Carrey, even though I know he has good stuff in him. His goofy crap just annoys the heck out of me. But based on the premise, I might give it a whirl.
you are right….that is one darn cute lighthouse. I am not a huge Carrey fan but I had to go and put that one in my Netflix queue!