When it comes to film and TV, it’s fair to say that some of the most iconic scenes take place on rooftops. Whether the mood is set by stunning scenery or the height adds an element of danger to ‘the final showdown’, rooftop encounters never seem to disappoint and once you start looking, you realise just how often rooftops feature on the big screen.
At Kingdom Coatings, roof maintenance is our forte and with this in mind, we’ve made a list of some of the best rooftop scenes in film and TV.
Mary Poppins
This classic film and childhood favourite contains one of the most iconic rooftop scenes of all time. ‘Step in Time’- one of many musical classics from the film- is performed by Bert and his fellow chimney sweeps on the rooftops of London and this couldn’t be a more perfect location for the performance. You can’t help but stare in disbelief at the impressive display of choreography, and the scene has an intense sense of excitement as the chimney sweeps leap from rooftop to rooftop. This jaw-dropping scene simply wouldn’t be the same in any other location, and the daring yet graceful performance coupled with the vertigo-inducing height is just the perfect combination.
Almost Famous
This coming of age classic features a significant rooftop scene that is often overlooked. After arguing with his fellow band members, Russell Hammond goes to a house party to forget his worries and finds himself on a rooftop shouting ‘I am a golden god.’ Whilst there are serious undertones at play, this is a predominantly humorous scene in which Hammond is trying to come up with some profound ‘last words.’ After settling on ‘I’m on drugs’ he leaps off the roof into the pool and wakes up the next day feeling a little worse for wear. Although seemingly insignificant, the roof is a platform on which Hammond is coming to grips with the highs and lows of fame, and it could be said that the roof is used to demonstrate that in this moment, Hammond’s ego has reached new heights.
The Departed
As previously mentioned, there is something so epic about rooftop fight scenes and this is especially apparent when watching Martin Scorsese’s The Departed. The rooftop location undoubtedly adds to the tension of this final showdown and you’re kept on the edge of your seat throughout. There’s also the descent from the rooftop in a lift which further adds to the suspense as you’re genuinely unsure how the scene is going to end. In this instance, the rooftop location is utilised flawlessly to achieve a nail-biting movie crescendo.
Friends
Whilst it may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when contemplating iconic rooftop scenes, ‘The One Where They’re Up All Night’ is an episode in which none of the friends get any sleep for various reasons. Arguably the most humorous storyline is Joey and Ross getting stuck on the roof and their eventful trip down the fire escape. When the fire escape gets stuck, the friends have no choice but to climb down one another which is where the scene reaches peak hilarity. So, if you’re looking for a bit of lighthearted humour, this is an episode that will undoubtedly have you in stitches.
If you want a roof that’s fit for the big screen, rely on the experts at Kingdom Coatings. Our roof coatings will protect your property from harsh weather whilst giving your roof a fresh new look. Contact us today for more information.
