A tribute to films that showcase the essence of Massachusetts, featured in the 'Massachusetts Movie Madness' bracket.
Boston.com has introduced ‘Massachusetts Movie Madness,’ a voting competition featuring 32 iconic films shot in the state. This interactive bracket invites readers to celebrate local cinema and engage with Massachusetts’ rich film history. The competition showcases diverse genres, from crime dramas to romantic stories, allowing fans to vote for their favorites. Notable films include ‘Jaws,’ ‘Good Will Hunting,’ and ‘CODA.’ The initiative emphasizes the cultural significance of these movies and their impact on audiences while providing an opportunity for the community to actively participate in the celebration of local films.
Boston – Boston.com has launched an exciting new bracket called “Massachusetts Movie Madness,” celebrating 32 iconic films shot across the Commonwealth. This interactive initiative allows readers to vote for their favorite movies in this tournament-style competition, adding a layer of engagement for local film enthusiasts.
This bracket not only highlights the rich cinematic history of Massachusetts but also emphasizes the unique cultural significance of films often associated with the state. The term “Boston movie” typically conjures images of crime dramas starring well-known hometown actors such as Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Mark Wahlberg.
The journey of filmmaking in Massachusetts dates back to 1896, with the first movie shot in the state being an adaptation of Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle.” However, it wasn’t until the 1950 noir film “Mystery Street” that Boston saw its first major Hollywood production. The city has since become a popular backdrop, producing both box office hits and critically acclaimed films.
The films included in the Massachusetts Movie Madness bracket span diverse genres, showcasing everything from crime and romance to drama. Notable contenders involve classic films such as “The Social Network,” which chronicles the origins of Facebook and was filmed at Harvard in Cambridge, and the beloved romantic drama “Love Story,” also shot at this iconic university.
Several other films have made waves due to their depiction of working-class heroes and local culture. “The Perfect Storm” and “CODA” stand out for their representations of life on the North Shore. “Jaws,” released in 1975, notably transformed Martha’s Vineyard into a significant film location for six months, further cementing Massachusetts’ reputation as a premiere filming location.
The voting process for the bracket is open to Boston.com readers, who can help decide which films will advance based on popularity and cultural impact. This participatory element not only engages the audience but also educates them about the state’s rich film history.
In terms of box office performance, several films included in the bracket have achieved noteworthy financial success. “Jaws” remains a standout, with an impressive gross of over $267 million, making it the highest-grossing film among those chosen. “The Perfect Storm” delivered the highest opening weekend for a film in the bracket, earning over $41 million at release, equivalent to approximately $76.8 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Other top performers include “Ted,” which garnered $218.8 million, and “Knives Out,” earning $165.4 million. In contrast, more recent films like “The Holdovers” and “American Fiction” reported lower box office figures, likely affected by the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and fierce competition from blockbusters.
Highlighted films in this competition include:
The Massachusetts Movie Madness bracket serves as a celebration of the state’s vibrant cinematic heritage and its cultural significance. While films like “The Verdict,” starring Paul Newman, showcase various aspects of life in Massachusetts, comedies like “Ted” capture the humor inherent in Boston culture, proving that the city’s cinematic contributions are as varied as its residents.
As Boston.com invites readers to engage with this unique tribute to Massachusetts films, the bracket promises to reignite fond memories of favorite local movies and foster a deeper appreciation for the Commonwealth’s role in American cinema.
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