We’re celebrating National Movie Day with some of our favourite movies about cars that you can stream or rent right now! So grab a big ol’ bowl of popcorn and add these exciting flicks to your queue.
But first, here’s some super fun facts about Stunt Car Drivers in Hollywood:
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Salary for a stunt car driver ranges wildly from a mere $10,000 all the way to a whopping $250,000+, but the average salary usually falls somewhere between $45,000 and $115,000.
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Although the movies show death defying scenes with drivers in realistic looking traffic, most stunts are performed in a controlled environment, thanks to cooperation with location authorities. Production will arrange with city officials to shut down roadways, bridges, or highways for safety.
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Nearly all vehicles used in stunts are modified with heavy reinforcements to the car’s frame to avoid crumpling or damage upon impact, and prevent death or injury. Modifications include using very heavy steel, installing roll cages, and even overriding the car’s inherent safety features such as driver assist, traction control, and other computerized correction precautions. In addition, the drivers are outfitted with safety suits and helmets in case of collision or other mishaps.
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Many stunt cars have been modified to fit camera rigs in the rear or front of the vehicle to provide a birds-eye view of the action, and to help with in-cabin shots of the stars for added realism. Others are outfitted with crane rigs which hold a steady-cam that gives them a 360 degree view as the cars are in motion. Before modern technology, camera crews and directors filmed while following the action by motorcycle or adjacent car alongside!
Looking to catch a movie in a local cinema?
Check out these great venues:
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Malverne Cinema in Malverne
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Merrick Cinemas 5 in Merrick
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Island 16 Cinema de Lux
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Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington
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Bellmore Movies And Showplace in Bellmore
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Port Jefferson Cinemas in Port Jefferson Station
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Movieland Cinemas in Coram
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Getaway Drive-In Theatre in Bellport
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Sayville Cinemas in Sayville
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Showcase Cinema de Lux in Farmingdale
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Showcase Cinema de Lux Broadaway in Hicksville
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Mattituck Cinemas in Mattituck
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Sag Harbor Cinema in Sag Harbor
Check out our picks for great movies about the automotive industry and featuring some of the best stunt driving in Hollywood!
American Factory
A Documentary
Streaming on Netflix.
This Oscar-winning documentary covers the day to day operations, successes, and setbacks of a new factory opened in the shell of a once-defunct General Motors Factory after its purchase by a Chinese billionaire and businessman. An in depth look at the growing technology industry and the working-class individuals who power the movement. Portions of this presentation are in English and Chinese with subtitles.
Watch the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/m36QeKOJ2Fc
Drive
Starring Ryan Gosling
Streaming on: Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, AppleTV, Google Play
Gosling plays a quiet loner who is a Hollywood stunt car driver by day, and a getaway driver for hire at night for some of the city’s most nefarious criminals. Although he has steadfast rules against participating in the activities of his clients, circumstances get the best of him and he gets a little in over his head in this intensely violent high-speed thriller.
Watch The Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBiOF3y1W0Y
Getaway
Starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez
Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play and Youtube.
Retired race car driver Brent Magna is now racing against the clock to save his wife, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious, nefarious criminal. Brent is forced to drive all around the city by this faceless villain as the criminal directs him to each destination via phone. This movie features an impressive lack of CGI, relying entirely on practical effects and performance stunt driving skills. Although the plot leaves a little something to be desired, it’s filled to the brim with top tier action and escapism.
Watch the Trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZF4jzMJ1oI
Gran Torino
Starring Clint Eastwood
Streaming on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play, Youtube, Vudu
Korean War Veteran and Retired Autom Worker Walt Kowalski spends the majority of his days as a bigoted recluse, but things begin to change after he stands up to a street gang on behalf of a local teenager who is being forced into car theft. In doing so, Kowalski is challenged to reexamine his perspective, and begins to understand he may have more in common than he realizes with the folks in his neighborhood.
Watch The Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMhbr2XQblk
The French Connection
Starring Gene Hackman
Streaming on Hulu, AppleTV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and GooglePlay
Considered to be a classic entry in cinematic history, this story follows New York City narcotics detective “Popeye” Doyle as he and his officer partner attempt to take down an international crime ring. Together they chase down a drug smuggler importing Heroin from overseas into the US.
Watch the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T76K3RxJY0A
