The historical places and open landscapes make the Bronx, New York a great place to film a movie. Here are a few that you might not know were filmed, at least partially, in the Bronx.

A Beautiful Mind

Directed by Ron Howard, this thought-provoking American biographical film lays out the life of John Nash, a gifted mathematician, who won the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 1994. Starring in the titular role was Russell Crowe, with other main characters played by Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly. The film was made in 2001.

The Verdict

The Verdict was a 1982 courtroom drama film. Paul Newman stars as a washed-up, alcoholic lawyer, who is tempted into taking a medical malpractice lawsuit for financial gain. During the course of the trial, he realizes that he is actually doing a great service and that the work is meaningful. The lawsuit revolves around a woman in a vegetative state. In addition to Paul Newman, the film features the acting of Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason, Milo O’Shea, and Lindsay Crouse.

Kinsey

Bill Condon wrote and directed Kinsey, an American biographical drama released in 2004. The story tells of the life of Alfred Kinsey, who was a pioneer in the study of sexology. Kinsey’s 1948 paper, called “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male,” was one of the first documented studies on human sexual behavior. Liam Neeson stars as Kinsey, and the film also features Laura Linney, Chris O’Donnell, Peter Sarsgaard, Timothy Hutton, John Lithgow, Tim Curry, and Oliver Platt.

Awake

Joby Harold wrote and directed Awake. It was filmed in 2005 and wasn’t released until 2007. It’s a conspiracy thriller starring Hayden Christensen, Terrence Howard, Jessica Alba, and Lena Olin. Parts were filmed at Fordham University.

Margot at the Wedding

Margot at the Wedding was directed by Noah Baumbach, who also wrote the screenplay. This comedy premiered at the 34th Telluride Film Festival in August 2007. It was also shown at the New York Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and the Mill Valley Film Festival. The film opened in theaters to limited release and mixed reviews from the critics. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Black, and John Turturro.

Love is All There Is

This romantic comedy from 1996 is directed by Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor. They both have starring roles in the movie as well. The plot is basically a Romeo and Juliet adaptation. It takes place in the Bronx, with two Italian families. Joseph Bologna and Lainie Kazan play the Cappamezzas, who are Sicilians that were born in the Bronx. Barbara Carrera and Paul Sorvino play the Malacicis, who just immigrated from Florence. The two families get involved in a bitter rivalry that ramps up just as their children Gina, played by Angelina Jolie, and Rosario, played by Nathaniel Marston get romantically involved. Many scenes from this film were filmed on City Island in the Bronx.

The Groomsmen

The Groomsmen, the comedy film that Edward Burns wrote and directedin 2006, it opened in Los Angeles and New York City in July 2006. The film was also shot on City Island in the Bronx. The plot of the film revolves around a groom and his four friends, who will be his groomsmen, considering all the ins and outs of marriage, fatherhood, sexuality, etc. You’ll find a host of familiar names in the cast.  Edward Burns plays the lead as the groom, Paulie. Also featured in the film are Jessica Capshaw, Spencer Fox, John Leguizamo, Matthew Lillard, Donal Logue, Jay Mohr, Brittany Murphy, and Heather Burns.

That’s a Wrap!

The Bronx has provided a great backdrop for lots of filmmakers. Be sure to look for landmarks from the Bronx when you catch these films!