Amy Trotter
Exotic cars: they’re something that everyone has an opinion about, and that opinion is probably “fast,” “powerful,” and “desirable.” After all, something like an Audi R8 V10 Plus—with 610 horsepower and the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds—is guaranteed to turn a few heads.
While it’s hard to identify which is cause and which is effect, exotic cars and their well-earned reputations have become ubiquitous in the film industry. Now, instead of having to shoot an off-kilter flashback for characterization purposes, the same message is conveyed by showing a man stepping out of his car. Read on to discover the advantages of exotic car rentals in the film industry.
Casting Cars
Take a look at some of the highest grossing films in the last year. Superman can fly, but when a Rolls-Royce Wraith stops at the curb, people are expecting someone in control. Flying over traffic sounds great for the morning commute, but the Rolls-Royce makes the road a whole lot more enjoyable once you realize everyone is slowing down to look.
On the other hand, Bruce Wayne is seen in a 1957 Aston Martin, a traditionalized substitute for his more practical Lamborghini Aventador. When your day use car has a V12 engine, 740 horsepower, and a top speed over 200 mph, you’re set to save the city with style. Zack Snyder’s cast and crew knew how to make use of these powerful real-world vehicles.
Furthermore, in Captain America: Civil War, the viewing public got their fill of the Audi brand, watching a parade of ubiquitous luxury cars sharing the screen with the actors. If there’s anyone out there with a strong desire to see that R8 V10 Plus mentioned earlier alongside its counterparts SQ7, A4, A7 Sportback, and even the brand’s Prologue Show Car, this film has it all.
Setting the Scene
The use of attention grabbing, high-power vehicles to provide panache isn’t limited to the action movie circuit, though. Look to the newly released Fifty Shades Darker for another Audi cast—this time featuring the Q7 and A3. Extra points go to the first to spot the BMW 4 cameo featured in The Girl on the Train! For those looking into more exotic cars, the BMW i8, which shaves almost half a second off the 0 to 60 acceleration time and gives an extra 37 horsepower, may sound like a more attractive option.
Describing the uses of exotic cars in the film industry has one downside: there are just too many of them to list. Take a look at some of the cars that show up: the Maserati Ghibli in 2016’s Jack Reacher, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur in The Accountant, or the Mercedes-Benz models showing up in Jason Bourne and Snowden. They’re in the shot to set the scene for style and personality, to provide power, speed, and even a good car chase. Whatever it is a film is looking for, there is a car to include in the shot.
You Break It, You Buy It
Not all films can use exotic car rental to fulfill their creative designs though. Take a look at the Lamborghini Huracan driven by Dr. Strange in his eponymous movie. Not only is it the first thing about the film people admit to remembering, it’s a symbol of the ambition, discipline, and a commanding center of attention.
In the real world, it’s possible to rent a Huracan to let everyone who passes know there’s more to you than meets the eye—and there’s quite a lot there to meet the eye. Just remember that someone’s going to have to foot the bill if it meets a similar fate to the one in the film.
Author Bio:
Amy Trotter is a freelance writer and a car enthusiast from Venice Beach, California. With over 10 years of experience at a rental car concierge, she has helped hundreds of clients drive the automobile of their dreams. When she is not busy driving and servicing her clients, she enjoys researching new cars and writing.
