'Miracle Mile' portrays the type of catastrophe that Los Angeles residents picture in their minds
In the heart of Los Angeles lies a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard, bordered by La Brea and Fairfax Avenues, known as Miracle Mile. This area, steeped in history and architectural charm, has been the backdrop for numerous films, but none more notably than the 1988 cult classic, "Miracle Mile."
"Miracle Mile" is a Cold War nuclear apocalyptic thriller that takes place primarily along Miracle Mile. The film, directed by Steve De Jarnatt, showcases iconic locations like Johnnie’s Coffee Shop, the historic May Co. building, Orbach’s department store, the Park La Brea towers, and the La Brea Tar Pits.
The Miracle Mile district has its roots in the 1920s, when it was envisioned as a car-friendly shopping district. Developer A.W. Ross designed it with innovative traffic solutions such as dedicated left-turn lanes and timed traffic lights, marketing it as "America's Champs-Élysées" for its blend of shopping, Art Deco architecture, and car culture.
Fast forward to 2024, and "Miracle Mile" saw a resurgence thanks to a restoration by Kino Lorber. The revived film has been met with critical acclaim and sold-out screenings at prestigious venues like the American Cinematheque and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The film's authentic Los Angeles setting and its evocative depiction of apocalyptic fear have resonated with audiences. Author Janet Fitch described it as "the kind of apocalypse that L.A. people imagine." Director Steve De Jarnatt notes the film’s growing cult status despite its initial modest reception.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, housed in the historic May Company Building at Wilshire and Fairfax within the Miracle Mile, opened in 2021. This museum, part of Museum Row, holds film industry archives and about 13 million objects, tying in cultural and cinematic history to the neighborhood that "Miracle Mile" captures.
At its core, "Miracle Mile" is a tale of love amidst chaos. Harry Washello, played by Anthony Edwards, is a struggling trombone player, and Julie Waters, portrayed by Mare Winningham, is a coffee shop waitress. Their plans to meet after her evening shift are disrupted when Harry intercepts a call about an impending nuclear attack on Los Angeles.
The film's ending, as De Jarnatt himself describes, is both sad and happy. The city unravels around them, but their love story finds a way to survive. Interestingly, Edwards and Winningham were married to other people during the filming but eventually became a couple and wed in 2021.
Today, Johnnie’s Coffee Shop, a featured location in the film, is primarily used for film and TV productions. The May Co. and Orbach’s department stores, also prominently displayed in the film, now house the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Petersen Automotive Museum, respectively.
In summary, "Miracle Mile" is a must-watch for anyone interested in a gripping Cold War thriller set against the backdrop of a Los Angeles-specific apocalypse. Its resurgence in 2024 has underscored its enduring appeal and the cultural significance of the Miracle Mile district.
- The Miracle Mile district in Los Angeles, famous for its historical charm and architectural appeal, serves as the backdrop for the movie "Miracle Mile," a Cold War nuclear apocalyptic thriller.
- The film "Miracle Mile" showcases iconic Los Angeles locations such as Johnnie's Coffee Shop, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (formerly the historic May Co. building), Orbach's department store, and the La Brea Tar Pits.
- In 2024, there was a resurgence in the popularity of "Miracle Mile" following a restoration by Kino Lorber, with the revived film garnering critical acclaim and sold-out screenings at esteemed venues like the American Cinematheque and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
- The film "Miracle Mile" offers a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and science, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, with its portrayal of apocalyptic fear resonating with audiences and contributing to its growing cult status.
