Members of the cast and crew, including Keith Carradine and Ronee Blakley, wrote original songs for the movie “Nashville.” | Photo by NASHtoday
As the Nashville Film Festival and International Black Film Festival get underway this week, we’re looking back at Nashville’s film credits over the decades. Here are a few movies that put a Music City spin on the silver screen.
“Nashville” (1975)
Robert Altman’s “Nashville” boasts an ensemble cast with notable stars like Keith Carradine, Lily Tomlin, Shelley Duvall, David Arkin, and Jeff Goldblum. Look for local spots like Opryland, the Parthenon, and Berry Field (now Nashville International Airport). It’s often considered to be Altman’s “magnum opus,” but that’s not to say it wasn’t met with some criticism locally.
Fun fact: “I’m Easy,” written and performed by Carradine + filmed inside Exit/In, took home the Academy Award for best original song.
“The Green Mile” (1999)
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, Tom Hanks takes on the role of a corrections officer working at a penitentiary in the 1930s. Despite the Louisiana setting, the film’s scenes were captured at the Tennessee State Penitentiary (closed in 1992) and in neighboring towns such as Nolensville, Shelbyville, and Columbia.
“Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” (2010)
Recognize this iconic place? While not entirely filmed in Nashville, the Parthenon was used as a backdrop for the first “Percy Jackson” film, which puts a modern twist on Greek mythology. We tip our hats to the special effects department.
Honorable mentions
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980) | Sissy Spacek’s Academy Award-winning performance as Loretta Lynn included scenes at Ryman Auditorium.
“Ernest Goes to Camp” (1987)| Featuring the character Ernest P. Worrell (portrayed by the late Jim Varney), this “Ernest” movie was filmed at Montgomery Bell State Park.
“Walk the Line” (2005) | Although primarily shot outside of Nashville, this Johnny Cash biopic starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon filmed scenes at the old Tennessee State Penitentiary.
Events
Monday, Sept. 25
Nashville: Reunion Tour | Monday, Sept. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $61+ | “Nashville” stars Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, and Sam Palladio reunite to perform classic songs from the series.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Nashville Black Market Pop-up + Documentary Screenings | Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 5-8 p.m. | Nashville Public Television, 161 Rains Ave. | Free+ | Shop handcrafted goods and more from local Black-owned businesses before watching “Exit 207 The Soul of Nashville” — screenings at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
Havańa Daydreamin’ - Jimmy Buffett Tribute | Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 7-10 p.m. | Acme Feed & Seed, 101 Broadway | Free | Grab your best beachwear for this Jimmy Buffett tribute concert.
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway | $23+ | Cheer on the Preds at the first of two preseason home games.
Thursday, Sept. 28
Artville - Art Show Preview Party | Thursday, Sept. 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Nashville Warehouse Co., 1131 4th Ave. S. | $50 | Guests will get the first look and opportunity to purchase works selected for the Community Art Show while enjoying drinks, food + music and mingling with Nashville’s art community.*
Friday, Sept. 29
Science of Spirits | Friday, Sept. 29 | 7-10 p.m. | Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd. | $35+ | This after-hours event includes unlimited samples of spirits, cocktails, and mocktails + live demonstrations and planetarium shows.
Experience a taste of the simple life at this hidden-gem destination in Kentucky
Whether you come for a day or luxuriate in their hospitality for the weekend, Shaker Village is a testament to how good the simple life can be. (BBC News thinks so, too.) | Photo by Magnus Lindqvist
3,000 acres of rolling hills, natural beauty, and soul-nourishing activities await at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, KY. Even Knox News agrees: It’s worth the road trip.
During your visit:
Explore the sprawling organic farm, hiking trails + exhibitions in historic Shaker buildings.
Savor seed-to-table meals with food grown on-site.
Unwind in one of 72 historic suites, rooms, or cottages.
Pro tip: Plan your trip around one of their many upcoming events: Spirit Strolls, horse-drawn wagon rides, Music on the Lawn, + painting and blacksmithing demonstrations.
MacHenry’s Meat & Three is transitioning to a catering-only business model, effective immediately. Stay tuned to MacHenry’s social media for announcements regarding ordering options and new catering menus.
Sports
The Tennessee Titans fell to the Cleveland Browns 27-3 yesterday afternoon, their only points coming from kicker Nick Folk’s 44-yard field goal in the second quarter. The Titans return to Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 1 to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Score tickets.
Concert
Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke, T-Pain, and Mario are coming to Bridgestone Arena on Friday, Dec. 1 for the “Time of Our Lives” tour. You can expect all the throwback hits — like T-Pain’s “Bartender” and “So Sick” by Ne-Yo. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
Nashvillian
In case you missed it, Star Maye is the latest Nashville chef to win Food Network’s “Chopped.” Chef Star competed on this season’s “Mouth of the South” episode and wowed the judges with a smothered pork chop with greens and potato salad + shrimp with corn and peppers.
Watch
Dolly Parton’s latest music video was filmed at Nashville’s Eakin Elementary School. The singer’s cover of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes (featuring the band’s Linda Perry) will appear on her forthcoming album, “Rockstar.” Watch the music video.
Number
321 wins. With yesterday’s 8-4 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Nashville Sounds Manager Rick Sweet became the winningest manager in franchise history — surpassing Trent Jewett’s record of 320 wins. Talk about a season finale.
Try This
In other Sounds news, the team is opening up First Horizon Park for private batting practice Monday, Oct. 2 through Friday, Oct. 6. Sessions are $60-$75 per person for groups of 10 or more and no experience is required. Learn more + sign up.
This brand believed there was a way to take water and make it a little more perfect by infusing it with fruit essences (but none of the gross diet sweeteners, calories, or sugar). And the fruit flavors really taste like fruit. Groundbreaking. Plus, new customers get 36 bottles for $36 + free shipping.*
Community
🎶 Come together
Mayor Freddie O’Connell announces inauguration events
Saturday’s festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Freddie O’Connell is set to become Nashville’s 10th mayor in a private swearing-in ceremony this morning.
Later this week, Mayor O’Connell will host “Nashville Coming Together,” an inauguration celebration, on Saturday, Sept. 30. Here’s what to know if you plan to go:
Where: Head to the park outside the Metro Courthouse for festivities from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and a second swearing-in ceremony that’s open to the public at 11:30 a.m.
What to expect: There will be live music, food trucks, and a variety of organizations and departments showcasing city services.
The theme: “Saturday’s festivities will celebrate a city coming together in multiple ways to highlight how Nashville works, how Nashville moves, and how Nashville grows,” according to the event announcement.
Talking Heads fans: You have a few more opportunities to see “Stop Making Sense” in IMAX (it’s at the AMC in Franklin) before the newly restored concert film moves to conventional theaters on Thursday. It will also screen at the Belcourt as part of the theater’s “Doc Spotlight” series.
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