USC: Movie School of the World
By Mark Love ‘16
Going to college in Los Angeles definitely comes with perks. As Trojans, we eat, sleep,and learn in one of the film capitals on Earth. And with our aesthetically appealing campus, many Hollywood films have used USC for various scenes. From beloved romantic comedies to inspirational dramas, our campus has graced its presence more times than you may have realized. Here are a few just to keep you updated on how awesome our school is.
Akeelah and the Bee
Remember the 2006 heart jerker about the little girl from an underprivileged background, but could spell words like clockwork? I’m sure you do. It jumpstarted the acting career of the sassy Keke Palmer. In the movie, she demolished the competition inside Bovard Auditorium, where majority of her intense spelling bees took place.
Forrest Gump
This 90s classic followed the adult life of the dimwitted, yet good-hearted Forrest Gump. Although he attended the University of Alabama in the movie, most of the college scenes were shot here at sunny ‘SC from Marks Hall to Hancock Building. This isn’t a coincidence. The director of the movie, Robert Zemeckis, graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 1973. It’s only right that he he features his alma mater in arguably the most successful film of his career.
Herbie Fully Loaded
Back in Lindsey Lohan’s prime, she starred in a slew of Disney films from childhood to teen years. One of her installments starred her alongside a seemingly obsolete Volkswagen Beetles that she turns into a champion race car. One part of the movie captured Lohan’s character outside of her university’s library (presumably from studying). Well that library was Doheny Library itself. Although most students study in Leavey, Doheny has a stunning view, especially with the cardinal and gold garden in front, that’s perfect for movie scenes.
Love and Basketball
This is another throwback movie from the 90s about a girl and a guy and their affinity for basketball and each other. The director didn’t just film part of the movie on our campus; in fact, the lovebirds both attended USC on basketball scholarships. Majority of their college basketball games were filmed inside of the Physical Education Building Gym.
Legally Blonde
Reese Witherspoon starred as a ditzy blonde yearning to impress her haughty ex-boyfriend by attending Harvard Law School, and prove that she was more than just her appearance. Her study sessions took place inside the Mud Hall of Philosophy. Oh, and when she strolls down Harvard’s campus in the film, it’s really Downey Way, one of the many streets that runs through USC.
