Hollywood films in which museums enrich the storytelling
Museums, with their vast collections of historical and artistic treasures, offer a distinctive setting for film narratives. These spaces are where timelines intersect, providing a perfect stage for stories that weave together elements of mystery, education, and excitement. This article highlights five films in which museums are not just locations but key to enriching the storytelling, making the cinematic experience even more compelling.
'Night at the Museum'
Night at the Museum (2006) is a family-friendly adventure where exhibits come to life after dark. Ben Stiller stars as Larry Daley, a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History who discovers an ancient curse causing the exhibits to animate each evening. The film combines humor with a sense of wonder, making it an entertaining watch for all ages.
'The Da Vinci Code'
The Da Vinci Code (2006), inspired by Dan Brown's bestseller, is a riveting mystery set in Europe's renowned museums. Tom Hanks is Robert Langdon, a symbologist who unravels a web of clues linked to Leonardo da Vinci within the walls of the Louvre. The museum's imposing splendor not only enhances the complex narrative but also amplifies the film's tense and enigmatic mood.
'Ocean's Eight'
Ocean's Eight (2018) unfolds as a heist comedy amidst the glitz of New York City's Met Gala, hosted at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sandra Bullock stars as the mastermind leading an all-women team with the goal to execute a daring theft of a valuable necklace. The Met's grandeur is pivotal, enriching the film's chic and elegant allure.
'Wonderstruck'
Wonderstruck (2017), directed by Todd Haynes, intricately intertwines two distinct narratives set 50 years apart, both anchored by the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The film follows the characters as they navigate through different periods of the museum's past, offering viewers a series of visually arresting scenes that act as a backdrop and narrative mechanism within this touching drama.
'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
In Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), three teenagers skip school and venture into Chicago for an unforgettable day that includes visiting the Art Institute of Chicago. This classic coming-of-age comedy uses one of America's oldest museums not just as a location but also as a canvas reflecting the characters' inner worlds during their carefree romp through life.
