Gone in 60 Seconds’ is not just a cult classic for car enthusiasts; it’s a film rich with interesting tidbits from behind the scenes. Here are 10 fun and intriguing facts about the movie’s production that might just rev up your appreciation for this high-octane film.
Eleanor’s Screen Time: The star car, Eleanor, a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500, isn’t just a side character. This beauty is on screen for a total of 40 minutes, which is quite a lot for a car in a movie.
Custom-Built Eleanors: For the film, a total of 11 Eleanor replicas were built. Interestingly, only five of those survived the stunts and rigors of the production.
Nicholas Cage’s Driving Training: Nicholas Cage did most of his own stunt driving. He underwent a high-level stunt-driving course to prepare for the role, ensuring those chase scenes were as authentic as possible.
Real-Life Car Theft Expert: The film’s director, Dominic Sena, consulted with an actual car thief to make the car heist scenes more realistic. Talk about getting into the nitty-gritty!
The Longest Jump: The famous jump Eleanor makes over the traffic jam was a real stunt. It covered 128 feet, making it a record-breaker at the time of filming.
Tribute to the Original: This film is a remake of the 1974 movie of the same name, created by H.B. Halicki. The original film also featured a Mustang, named Eleanor, making it the first in-car film history to receive a star title credit.
The Real Cost of Damage: It’s estimated that the car chase scenes and stunts resulted in around $200,000 worth of damage, proving that good action comes at a high price.
Improvised Lines: Some of the film’s most memorable lines were improvised. This includes the line “I just stole fifty cars in one night! I’m a little tired, little wired, and I think I deserve a little appreciation!” by Nicholas Cage’s character.
A Unique Soundtrack: The film’s score was composed by Trevor Rabin, former guitarist of the rock band Yes. His music added an extra layer of adrenaline to the already pulse-pounding scenes.
‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ is more than a movie about car theft; it’s a film made with genuine passion for cars, adrenaline-fueled action, and some creative filmmaking. These facts not only add depth to the viewing experience but also showcase the dedication and creativity behind this beloved car-centric film.