I finally made my way in!
Mary and I had tickets to a promotional screening for The Hangover, a comedy due in June, which was being held at Warner Bros. Studios. It's been my dream, for as long as I can remember, to step foot onto Warner Bros. In February, I was filming an introductory video for film school right beside Warner Bros. and told my girlfriend I'm impatiently waiting for the day I can finally make my way inside. Needless to say, I can't remember when I was this excited.
Around 12pm, they guided us inside as we made our way through security. It was a fairly long walk to Building 71, just one of the many buildings which has its own private screening room. This specific room was amazing; nothing fancy, but everything done in taste. There wasn't as many people as I had imagined, but there were several people taking notes for the film. Around 2pm, the film finished and we made our way downstairs.
Mary and I walked around until we spotted a gift shop cleverly called Central Perk. It was spectacular, probably because I love film and television, so I really felt like a kid in a candy store. We ended up buying four Friends mugs and spent some time walking around the spacious studio lot; impressive, indeed. We had lunch at the Warner Bros. Cafeteria, where many executives were also having lunch. Many of them were reading scripts, discussing filming, etc. Pretty much, heaven for me.
We continued to walk around after lunch, checking out each studio building. On each building states what feature films and television shows were filmed inside. You can imagine my excitement when I found the many buildings Casablanca was filmed in. I suddenly recalled Warner Bros. had a museum so we asked a lady and she directed us toward it. Here's where it gets amazing.
The Warner Bros. Museum is two stories; the first floor is filled with costumes and props from films from the past century. The second floor is filled entirely with Harry Potter costumes and props; we gave it a look but considering I'm not a big fan, it didn't do anything for me. You're not allowed to touch or take any pictures, but nothing in the store was behind glass; they're all within arm's reach. Tempting. So, we walked inside and what I saw blew me away.Directly in front of the entrance was the costumes worn by Heath Ledger (Joker) and Christian Bale (Batman) in The Dark Knight. In between them, stood the four clown masks from the bank robbery scene. Also featured from the film was Heath Ledger's nurse uniform, along with the miniature Tumbler (Batmobile) as well several props; Batman's gun, Joker's cards, Two-Face's coin, etc.
Also in the museum was a display for Casablanca. Costumes worn by Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart stood proudly beside the piano famously played by Dooley Wilson (Sam). Also featured was the score from the film, which also began playing in the museum shortly thereafter. The museum also included a pretty big display for The Departed. Featured was costumes worn by Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson. Also included was many props; Billy Costigan's cast, Frank Costello's card, prescription note and bottle, etc.
The museum also feautred several Academy Award statues; Michael Curtiz's Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture Oscar for The Departed. Yes, they were beautiful. Hopefully, I'll get closer to the statue one day. The museum included many other noteworthy items from Gran Torino, Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, The Matrix (costumes for all characters) and so much more. I also couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a display for The Assassination of Jesse James. It included Casey Affleck's gun, Jesse James storybooks, lighters, etc. They also had the famous horse picture Brad Pitt dusts during the climax of the film.
Upon leaving the studio - I had to leave sometime - we asked the security guard if we could come by again without having to schedule a tour. He said it wasn't possible unless we knew someone who worked there. We then realized he was Armenian and he was kind enough to give us his phone number, telling us to let him know in advance when we'd like to come, and he'll prepare us visitor passes.
I don't want to forget this day.
