1. “Some Like It Hot” (1959)
Location: The Del Marcos Hotel
Directed by Billy Wilder, “Some Like It Hot” is a classic screwball comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The film follows two musicians who witness a mob hit and disguise themselves as women to escape the mobsters. The Del Marcos Hotel, with its sleek mid-century design, serves as the luxurious Florida resort where the hilarious gender-bending antics unfold.
2. “Palm Springs” (2020)
Location: The Parker Palm Springs
This indie romantic comedy, directed by Max Barbakow, stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. Nyles (Samberg) and Sarah (Milioti) find themselves stuck in a time loop during a wedding in Palm Springs. The Parker Palm Springs, with its whimsical gardens and retro-chic vibe, becomes the surreal setting for their escapades.
3. “Desert Hearts” (1985)
Location: The Windmill Market
Directed by Donna Deitch, “Desert Hearts” is a groundbreaking lesbian romance set in Reno, Nevada, but filmed in the nearby desert. The Windmill Market, a rustic roadside diner, becomes a pivotal location where Vivian (Helen Shaver) and Cay (Patricia Charbonneau) navigate their feelings against the stark desert landscape.
4. “The Player” (1992)
Location: The Indian Canyons
Directed by Robert Altman, “The Player” is a satirical Hollywood noir. The Indian Canyons, with their rugged beauty and palm oases, serve as a striking contrast to the cutthroat world of the film industry. The movie follows a studio executive entangled in a murder mystery.
5. “Inherent Vice” (2014)
Location: The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel takes us on a psychedelic journey through ’70s California. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club, with its retro aesthetic and laid-back vibe, becomes a hub for private investigator Doc Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) as he investigates a mysterious case.
6. “The Big Lebowski” (1998)
Location: The Joshua Tree Inn
While not directly in Palm Springs, the nearby Joshua Tree Inn plays a memorable role in “The Big Lebowski.” The film, directed by the Coen Brothers, follows laid-back slacker Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) as he gets embroiled in a kidnapping case. The Joshua Tree Inn hosts the infamous “Hotel California” scene.
7. “Iron Man” (2008)
Location: The Kaufmann House
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark’s sleek mansion is none other than the iconic Kaufmann House. Designed by architect Richard Neutra, this mid-century masterpiece epitomizes desert modernism. In “Iron Man,” it serves as Stark’s high-tech abode.
Conclusion
Palm Springs continues to inspire filmmakers, artists, and dreamers alike. Whether you’re exploring the historic Movie Colony neighborhood or sipping a cocktail by the pool at the Ace Hotel, you’ll feel the magic of cinema in every corner of this desert oasis.
Remember to bring your camera, immerse yourself in the scenery, and relive the movie moments that have made Palm Springs a beloved destination for film enthusiasts worldwide.