We Live In Cities You'll Never See On Screen Lyrics
Ever notice how movies and TV shows always seem to film in the same handful of picturesque cities? New York, Los Angeles, maybe a dash of Chicago? But what about the rest of us? We're out here, living vibrant, quirky lives in places that Hollywood apparently forgot existed!
Our Cities: Too Real For Prime Time?
Seriously, think about it. When was the last time you saw a blockbuster filmed in, say, Scranton, Pennsylvania? Or Boise, Idaho? I'm not knocking those places; they have their own unique charm, their own stories waiting to be told.
But Hollywood seems convinced that audiences only want to see the same old skylines and Golden Gate Bridges. Is it too much to ask for a rom-com set against the backdrop of the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas?
The "Generic Small Town" Trope
Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking. What about all those movies set in "Anytown, USA"? The problem is, Anytown is usually a totally fabricated place. It's a collection of familiar tropes โ a diner, a friendly sheriff, maybe a slightly menacing cornfield. But it never feels like a real place where actual people live.
These fictional small towns are never as interesting as the real ones. I guarantee the locals in my hometown have more drama, humor, and genuinely heartwarming moments than anything a screenwriter could dream up.
Why We're Missing Out
By ignoring the vast majority of cities and towns, Hollywood is doing us a disservice. We're missing out on a kaleidoscope of perspectives, experiences, and, let's be honest, truly bizarre local customs.
Imagine a gritty crime drama set in Rochester, New York, with the iconic "Flour City" silos lurking in the background. Or a quirky indie film following a group of competitive casserole bakers in Austin, Minnesota, the "Spam Capital" of the world!
Embrace the Unseen!
My point is this: there's a whole world of cinematic potential out there, just waiting to be discovered. Let's celebrate the cities and towns that don't always make the highlight reel.
Let's demand more stories from the places with the weirdest roadside attractions, the most fiercely loyal sports fans, and the best local pizza joints. Because, let's face it, those are the places where real life โ and real stories โ happen.
So next time you're watching a movie and it's yet another shot of the Hollywood sign, remember all the other cities out there, brimming with character and crying out to be seen. Let's raise a glass (or a casserole dish) to the unsung heroes of the American landscape!
These are the places with their own unique charm that you will never see on the screen. The cities that don't make the list.
Maybe one day, we'll finally see a movie that celebrates the weird, wonderful, and utterly unforgettable towns that make up the heartland of America.
And maybe, just maybe, that movie will be filmed right in your hometown!
