Pont de Bir Hakeim, Paris - The Inception moment
What movies can teach us about placemaking in the city?
As an amateur film enthusiast, I am driven to rise early in the morning in Paris to capture this particular composition. Despite the allure of Parisian culture, cuisine, and nightlife, what motivates me to leave the comfort of my bed at such an early hour to photograph a bridge?
The answer lies in the transformative power of cinema. The way a location is depicted on screen can transport the audience into the story, immersing them in a specific place and time. When you finally have the opportunity to visit that location in person, you are compelled to seek out those familiar scenes and relive them through your own eyes.
Personally, I have traversed the Paris Metro and crossed the Pont de Bir Hakeim on my way to the Eiffel Tower. However, it was Christopher Nolan's film "Inception" that truly captured my imagination. In a pivotal scene, characters portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Elliot Page navigate a dream world that seamlessly blends reality with fantasy, walking along the Pont de Bir Hakeim as if it were a figment of their imagination brought to life.
Nolan's masterful use of camera techniques and practical effects, such as a full-size folding mirror constructed on set, creates a mesmerising alternate reality within the film. It is this manipulation of space and perception that drew me to explore this particular location further.
The unique symmetry and custom design of the steel columns on the bridge, coupled with its proximity to the Eiffel Tower, make it a truly exceptional spot for photography. When presented with the opportunity to capture such a scene, I knew I couldn't pass it up.
Photography is often a game of chance, especially when it comes to weather conditions. Despite having the best location, equipment, and skills, the outcome of a shoot can still be unpredictable. Fortunately, I was blessed with a brief window of good weather during my stay, amidst a period of frequent rain.
During my stay near the Châtelet metro station, I was impressed by the city's dedication to creating a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment. The transformation of Rue de Rivoli into a space prioritising buses, pedestrians, and cyclists has significantly improved the surrounding neighbourhood. This shift towards prioritising walking and cycling has had a positive impact on the overall atmosphere of the area and the city.
This transformation had me to consider renting a bicycle to travel to Pont de Bir Hakeim. However, the early morning hour, heavy backpack filled with photographic gear, and the availability of the metro led me to opt for public transportation instead.
Prior to the shoot, I had envisioned several compositions but remained open to exploring new perspectives. Arriving nearly an hour before sunrise, I took the time to walk around the location without setting up my tripod. This allowed me to freely scout the area with just my camera in hand, visualising potential compositions before committing to a specific setup. This approach proved beneficial in enhancing my creative process and ensuring a successful shoot.
After strolling to the end of the bridge, I decided to set up my tripod in the centre to capture a classic shot looking straight down the middle. I played with the symmetry of the columns and the vanishing point in the distance. However, I was determined to find a composition that would provide the bridge with an urban context within its surroundings.
As the morning sun rose, the sky transitioned from a twilight black to a beautiful shade of blue. With the Eiffel Tower almost silhouetted in the background, I believed this composition was more intriguing than the one I had previously captured.
I have often expressed my love for early morning photography, and this particular photoshoot truly encapsulated the essence of that passion. Being a tourist in a stunning city, surrounded by its activities, history, and culture, allows for a unique experience of capturing memories through photography.
The influence of movies on popularising locations cannot be underestimated. The romantic portrayal of a country in films can significantly impact tourism. For example, the Lord of the Rings movies boosted tourism in New Zealand, while the Harry Potter series has drawn visitors to various filming locations in the UK. A prime example is the queue at Kings Cross Station to see Platform 9 ¾.
When considering the impact that movies can have on a city, particularly from a London perspective, one need only reflect on the 1990s. During this time, London continued to attract a significant number of tourists, relying on its historical ties to the monarchy, British traditions, and past associations. However, the inner city of London was undergoing a transformation. It was during this period that a series of films set in London, such as "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Sliding Doors," "Notting Hill," and "Bridget Jones's Diary" portrayed the city in a new light. These films depicted London as a modern, vibrant, and dynamic city, contrasting with the previously perceived image of a grey, moody, and rainy metropolis.
As a Londoner, I have come to appreciate these films for showcasing a different perspective of my city, albeit one constructed for cinematic purposes. This has led me to consider the importance of taking a holistic approach in the placemaking industry. By collaborating with other industries to promote and advertise the changes made to our cities and neighbourhoods, we can enhance the overall perception and appeal of these areas.
Do you enjoy watching movies? Have you ever found that a film has altered your perception of a particular place? Is there a specific movie that has inspired you to visit a certain city?
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My photographs are published on Instagram and online. Additionally, I am available for private commissions and collaborations with other organisations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for further inquiries or opportunities.