It’s well known that Brighton is a hotspot for lovely views, whether they be urban or rural. With a dazzling pier, hustling and bustling streets, intricate alley ways and greenery provided by the South Downs, it’s hard to imagine anywhere quite like Brighton. Part of Brighton’s charm comes from its iconic culture, a culture that has been built upon for years through the likes of film, television and music. But this begs the question, did filming in Brighton become popular because Brighton’s cool, or did filming in Brighton make Brighton cool? Either way, we’re here to show you some of the top pictures filmed in Brighton, old and new!
Quadrophenia (1979)
It would be wrong not to start off with the most popular and well known. Of course it has to be, Quadrophenia. Based on The Who‘s album of the same name, Quadrophenia focuses on a group of rowdy mods in the 1970s, who make their way down to our lovely seaside town and start causing trouble. Filming locations included: East Street (where the riot scene took place), the waterfront cafe down Madeira Drive where the mods gathered on their bikes, the ballroom (which is actually now Brighton Sea Life Centre), Old Steine (where the rioters got hemmed by police) and Little East Street (where one of the characters had a less than savoury encounter down the alley).
Mirrormask (2005)
This fantasy film may come as a surprise seeing as the whole story line was pretty much set in a parallel universe but nevertheless, Brighton did make a brief appearance on the big screen. Apparently, the film’s setting was originally supposed to be London, but the producer requested they take filming to Brighton as it was “more bohemian, so that fits with the whole circus thing…” Well it’s good to know that Brighton’s eccentric atmosphere won itself a place in this film’s development process! They filmed the scenes set in Helen’s flat in Embassy Court, claiming “it’s very distinctive, imposing” and “it does have a character”. Well you can say a lot of things about Brighton, but you can’t say it’s architecture is lacking in character – that’s for sure!
Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging (2008)
Though this film is mostly known for filming in Eastbourne (as we hear protagonist, Georgia constantly moaning about how boring it is!), parts of it did take place in Brighton. Namely, the family home that we see Georgia living in can be found on Borough Street, Brighton. We’d recognise that bright pink exterior anywhere…
Brighton Rock (2010)
Despite mostly being filmed in Eastbourne and Beachy Head, this film had to make the list – I mean Brighton is actually in the film’s name, that’s pretty impressive! Loosely based on Graham Greene’s novel of the same name, Brighton Rock focuses on crime within a Brighton gang. According to the film’s locations of filming, Palace Pier was the only main location used in the development process of Brighton Rock. Despite that, the film has definitely helped to reinforce traditional idea’s about Brighton and its culture, including the iconic bikes pictured above.
Now Is Good (2012)
This 2012 film about a girl with terminal cancer trying to complete her bucket list was set almost entirely in Brighton. Filming locations mostly included the seafront however with Dakota Fanning wondering around the streets of Brighton, our little seafront city caught the world’s attention.
