Guy Travels to Match Movie Scenes With Their Locations

By
Jovana A
-

Thomas Duke is a movie enthusiast who travels a lot to find locations of some of his favorite scenes. He takes photos that feature movie scenes from a new perspective that allows us to step back and see how those places look in real life.

Duke places a still shot from the movie in the spot where it was filmed, revealing the background of what we saw on the screen.

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Miracle on the Hudson ✈️ • On this day in 2009, Captain Sully landed US Airways Flight 1549 safely on the Hudson River in New York City. All of the 155 passengers aboard survived. The plane was struck by a flock of geese which resulted in a loss of engine power. Without a close enough airport to fly to, Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles successfully glided the plane onto the Hudson. This event has since become known as “the most successful ditching in aviation history”. The photo I’m holding is a still from the 2016 film, ‘Sully’. It’s inspired by the real events as they did this in a studio. Tom Hanks does a superb job of portraying the Captain and showing how incredible Sully was to do what he did. I feel like we always need some positivity amongst some of the doom & gloom of today and this event still stands as a miracle! 155 more people are alive because of those pilots. • I researched where the plane landed in reality and it was supposedly very close to the Weehawken Port Imperial station, right on the edge of Manhattan island. I ventured to the closest point on Manhattan that linked with that which turned out to be the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. A lovely gentlemen told me where the longest pier was and so, a few seconds down, was where I leaned over and snapped this inspired filmic moment in history. • • #captainsully #miracleonthehudson #newyork #manhattan #miracle #tomhanks #clinteastwood #life #film #photography

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“I’ve adored film my whole life,” he told My Modern Met. “It was always there, a place that I could escape to when life was getting a little tough. I enjoyed exploring the screen through my own head and couldn’t wait to, quite literally, step through the films that had helped me through my years of growing up.”

You can see some of his works below and more on his Instagram page. Right now, he has 123,000 people following him and over 170 posts of famous movie scenes shared.

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“Always.” 💔 • It’s been 4 years since Alan Rickman passed away. I still can’t believe such a great man is no longer with us. His filmography is flooded with creative characters, classic stories, and iconic accents from all over the world, all of which have touched every single one of us to our core. From the dastardly rich and wanted in Die Hard, the lovesick lover in love Actually, and the misunderstood professor in Harry Potter. Severus Snape is undoubtedly the character he is most known for and it’s clear why. As Harry Potter said to his son, ‘he was the bravest man I have ever known.’ As they all did for Dumbledore, we hold up our magic wands in honour of his memory forever and always 🎬💙 • I took this photo when I was last at the @wbtourlondon. I wanted to capture something from this penultimate scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. The revelation that Snape wasn’t all that bad… this took place in Dumbledore’s office after Snape is murdered by lord Voldemort; this is the set they used. Harry looks upon the memories of Snape and uncovers the truth. Always an amazing experience here at Warner Bros, thanks to the wonderful team for their help. • • #alanrickman #ripalanrickman #harrypotter #diehard #loveactually #robinhood #severussnape #life #love #hope #wbstudiotour #london #film #photography

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“HULK SMASH!” • Hulk and Thor come crashing through the large windows at the front of the station and continue their little quibble about who the strongest Avenger really is. I was so excited to try this scene as it’s a great moment from ‘The Avengers’ back in 2012 and I fondly remember sitting there in the cinema loving it all! On top of that… walking through Grand Central Station for the first time was something I’d only ever dreamed of. It’s just one of those places that was always depicted in film and which looked so grand in the images I saw. A polar opposite to London Liverpool Street for sure, I wouldn’t mind it being my new local station 😬🤷🏻‍♂️ • The entirety of this scene, much like all of the other Avengers shots here in New York City, was shot on green screens and sound stages. Luckily it all still looked picture perfect and mirrored the film really well. • • #theavengers #avengers #hulk #thor #markruffalo #chrishemsworth #grandcentralstation #newyork #superheroes #film #photography

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“The stars look very different today.” 🌟💛 • Here is a young David Bowie in Manchester Square, London at the age of 18 in 1965. On this day 4 years ago, we lost an icon form the entertainment world. David Bowie transcended the scope of lyrical creation and the landscape of musical art from the 60s onwards. Even today his music rings true to many goings-on around the world as well as being put to good use in lots of films. A couple specifics that spring to mind are ‘The Martian’ with Matt Damon and ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ with Ben Stiller. His tracks ‘Starman’ and ‘Space Oddity’ being key tracks in these adventurous films as well as also just being wondrous tunes to keep us moving forward in these days of uncertainty and, at times, craziness. Thanks to Bowie, we truly can be heroes even just for one day. • It was bittersweet to visit this location due to Bowie’s passing in 2016. Little bits had changed but after all this time it was strikingly quite similar. So much of today’s cinema and music has been influenced by this man, making his mark on screen as well as on stage. I fondly remember his performance as Nikola Tesla in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Prestige’. Oh, what a life. • • #davidbowie #music #film #legacy #artist #starman #spaceoddity #heroes #history #1960s #lgbt #photography #history #london

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“However bad life may seem, while there is life, there is hope.” ✨ • Stephen Hawking would have turned 78 today. His life and incredible mind is immortalised in the science of tomorrow as well as in an impeccably incredible performance from Eddie Redmayne in ‘The Theory of Everything’. I absolutely adore Redmayne as an actor and this role only solidified him as truly remarkable at what he does – an Oscar-worthy of the performance! It only seemed fitting to celebrate this bittersweet day by visiting the filmed re-creation of Jane & Stephens’ wedding; the most memorable and lovable day of one’s life. • This is the Holy Trinity C of E Church located in Penn, Buckinghamshire. I visited a couple of years ago as well but wanted to come again to snap some updated photos! It’s a lovely walk to get to this location and it was oh so peaceful while standing there to capture the special moments. I always find biographical pieces of filmmaking that little bit more hard-hitting… film is usually fictional but this was real 🎬💛 • • #stephenhawking #eddieredmayne #janehawking #felicityjones #oscars #love #life #hope #film #photography #lovegreatbritain

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“Dogs must be carried.” • Paddington wishes you a very merry Boxing Day and hopes that everyone has had plenty of marmalade sandwiches this Christmas 🐻🍯🥪 I went to travel on the same escalator that Paddington explored during his first visit to London! This is such an adorable film and a perfect little cosy adventure for Christmas time. Paddington Bear just looks so cuddly and brings so much warmth & joy along with him wherever he goes. Here he is taking his first steps in St John’s Wood tube station 🚂 • This scene is from the first Paddington film (the second is on tonight at 7.20!) and is a really funny scene where Paddington Bear travels on the London Underground for the first time – he makes sure to follow the ‘Dogs must be carried’ rule! The interiors were shot at St John’s Wood tube station. It took some patience and a bit of going round and round in circles to get the shot! • • #paddington #paddingtonbear #christmas #london #christmasday #boxingday #food #marmalade #film #photography

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“We’ll do that together too.” • Thank you! Before all of the festivities begin this holiday season I just wanted to say THANK YOU to every single one of you for your support, your interest, and your passion for all of my travels on this page and for talking all things film with me! The internet can be such a wonderful place to connect with the world and meet so many great people! It’s been an amazing year and an even more amazing decade so I just wanted to share some of my favourite locations from earlier in the 2010s all the way up to today in 2019. What’s your favourite film of the decade?! 🎬 It’s all been such an adventure and I’ve enjoyed sharing these with the world every step of the way. From the bustling streets within The Avengers to the tip-toe’ing bridge in A Quiet Place – unforgettable memories to last forever! Here’s to even more explorations in 2020. Have the most wonderful time over the Holiday season! • From Netflix, to Sony, to Fox, to everything and beyond! It’s been insane and just… wow. I never thought anything would happen with this but it’s been a blast. Whatever happens now is an added bonus. Thanks everyone! • • #2019 #decade #avengers #aquietplace #marvel #pixar #characters #film #cinema #photography #travel #london #newyork #scotland #thankyou

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“The truth is, I’m in love.” ♥️ • Swipe left to see them all grown up! Love Actually (2003) vs the Love Actually Red Nose Day reunion (2017). Continuing with the festive season, here’s another scene from the beloved rom-com where Liam Neeson and Thomas Brodie-Sangster are looking over the Thames talking about love. They’re seen sitting on a bench, which is no longer there, on the London Southbank – look at how young Thomas looks! Fast forward 14 years and here they are again – this time a few minutes away next to the Tate Modern – catching up on the good old days. Did you know? Sangster was only 5 years younger than Keira Knightley in the film… but she was getting married and he still looked about 10… let that sink in. • I love exploring this film! It’s such a pleasure being able to do so and with less than 2 weeks until Christmas it’s just too perfect 😊 it’s quite emotional seeing the difference 14 years does! • • #loveactually #london #christmas #festive #holidays #love #family #time #reunion #winter #classic #film #photography #explore #thomasbrodiesangster #liamneeson

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“It’s a Turtle Dove. I have one and you have one. As long as we each have a Turtle Dove, we’ll be friends forever.” 🕊 • It’s time for some Home Alone magic! The original is engrained in all of our hearts but the second film is also a really lovely Christmassy entry – watching Kevin make his way around New York City inspired me to visit some of the Home Alone 2 locations 🌃 I always admired the connection between Kevin and this lady (the wonderful Brenda Fricker), whom was just a stranger in Central Park. With a little caring consideration, Kevin sees the love within this human being and makes their Christmas whole again. This time of year is, after all, about bringing people together! Turtle Doves are a symbol of friendship, Kevin gives this lady a Turtle Dove – he has one and she has one – as long as they each have their Turtle Dove, they’ll be friends forever 💚 • This scene takes place in @centralparknyc with the bridge in the back being Gapstow Bridge. I took these photos this Summer just gone. I wish I was their right now as I’m sure the bridge would look a little frostier and the lake even frozen over! Only a couple of weeks left until Christmas 🎄 • • #homealone #christmas #magic #joy #newyork #classic #winter #snow #friendship #love #family #photography #film

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“Would you like it… gift-wrapped?” 🎁🎄 • Love Actually turns 16 years old today! ❤️ This beloved gem of a film is everywhere this time of year and I love it all. I think every household will watch this at least once between now and the end of the year. I went to visit the location of my favourite scene in Selfridges: where Rowan Atkinson gift wraps a present for the late great Alan Rickman. The lengthy process of this scene along with the hilarious performances makes this such a funny moment in the film and I just love everything about it! Do you have a favourite scene? I can’t wait to visit some more over the festive season 🎥❄️ • So much has changed in Selfridges in 15 years. You can clearly see this from the photos above. I asked around and was pointed in the direction of a gentleman in a blue suit who has been at Selfridges for 22 years! He knew exactly where the scene was shot as he had a cameo in it. The ‘Wonder Room’. This room is the first room on the left if you walk in the main shop entrance via Oxford Street. The columns are the only recognisable section now; you can even see the same markings in the marble up-close. • • #loveactually #alanrickman #rowanatkinson #selfridges #christmas #festive #family #film #photography #london

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“Wish I could be part of that woooorld!” 🌍 🐠 • 30 years ago, on the 17 November 1989, The Little Mermaid became part of our world. Its oceanic essence of Disney magic has stayed with many of us over these past decades as Ariel continues to spread the musical anthems from under the sea. I wanted to try something a little different for this film. I ventured to the coastal regions of Cornwall (Looe to be exact) to find the perfect rock to encapsulate this iconic moment in reality. A wetsuit and more patience than usual was certainly needed but even then, I knew the result would be a little uncertain. Waves crashed and the irrational fear of sharks in Cornwall kept me busy. I tried to hold it together, stretching my arms to the sky, in an attempt to keep the card away from salty splashes while also preventing my equipment from being lost in the depths. It ended up being a really fun shot to capture! With some Google Maps, internet searching, and talking with tourist groups such as Visit Cornwall – I narrowed the perfect beach down to Hannafore in Looe. It was a little uncertain but it ended up being a good choice! • Regarded as the animated classic that bought in the Disney Renaissance, this film changed the landscape of Disney Animation with it becoming a much needed box-office hit and then by being followed by a slew of other fantastic fare; Beauty and the Best, Aladdin, The Lion King, Tarzan etc. It remains relevant today and I’m sure Disney will ensure the power and importance of this film are true to the present when the remake is released in the near future. • • #thelittlemermaid #30thanniversary #disney #ariel #ocean #musical #jodibenson #animation #art #film #photography #lovegreatbritain

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“It’s easy to fool people when they’re already fooling themselves.” 🔮🎬 • When @jakegyllenhaal was announced as Mysterio I couldn’t wait to see what he’d do with the role. It felt like such a tantalisingly exciting choice and turned out to be everything we could have asked for from the illusion-conjuring, masterful comic book character. I love a bit of misdirection and philosophy which is why I loved this interpretation. The above quote is truer beyond words and is scarily so real within society today – Gyllenhaal pulls back the curtains to this world full of CGI and authenticity all too well. He also looked identical to Tony Stark at one point which really freaked me out… • I think I’ll certainly be coming back to @towerbridge one day! There’s still a lot of great moments from this @spidermanmovie to capture in these hallowed walkways sitting above the Thames. Always a delight to have London be the setting of something like this. As mentioned in my previous Tower Bridge posts, this walkway was re-created at Leavesden and you can definitely tell that’s the case when walking through – the changes are minimal but are there in terms of space, perspective, and signage. • • #spiderman #spidermanfarfromhome #tomholland #jakegyllenhaal #peterparker #mysterio #london #film #photography #marvel

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“Anything is possible, even the impossible.” ~ Emily Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns ✨ • 3 years ago I met my favourite actress: Emily Blunt! The day started with hopefulness and then a little sadness. I was attending an event in London where Emily was talking about ‘The Girl on the Train’. I was so excited! I had my ticket ready. I arrived. But I was then turned away for being under 18 🤦🏻‍♂️ I was full of emotions as I just wanted to say ‘Thank you’ to the actress who’d inspired me for all these years. With some patience and a little hope that I may be allowed to enter, I waited. No luck. However… after a little while Emily exited the building, her eyes fixated on the (very large, self-drawn) Devil Wears Prada shoe I was holding, and showed so much care for my support and enthusiasm. I couldn’t have been more elated or shocked! There was a group of people waiting for an autograph and so I vividly remember her saying we could take a photo together once she got in her car. Oh, the memories! ♥️💙♥️ • It honestly seems so bizarre that this was 3 YEARS ago now. People say meeting you’re inspirations can sometimes be disappointing but Emily Blunt was truly lovely and I’m so happy that I got this chance. I don’t think I’ve ever said ‘Thank you so much’ as many times as in this moment. • • #emilyblunt #johnkrasinski #aquietplace #marypoppins #thegirlonthetrain #edgeoftomorrow #thedevilwearsprada #london #memories

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